Attendance Allowance

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How to claim

You can apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post.

To apply, you’ll need:

  • your National Insurance number
  • your address and contact details
  • details of the health condition or disability that you need extra help for
  • details of your GP surgery or medical centre

Apply online

The new service will accept a limited number of applications each week.

You cannot apply online if you:

Start now

Apply by post

You can either:

There’s a different process for Attendance Allowance in Northern Ireland.

There’s a different way to claim if you’re nearing the end of life (for example, because you have a life-limiting illness).

Attendance Allowance helpline
Telephone: 0800 731 0122
Textphone: 0800 731 0317
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0122
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges

Where to send the form

Send the completed form to:

Freepost
DWP Attendance Allowance

Do not write anything except the freepost address on the envelope. You do not need a postcode or a stamp. 

The form comes with notes telling you how to fill it.

After you apply

After you send your claim, you’ll get a text or letter within 3 weeks that explains when you can expect a decision.

Once a decision is made, you’ll get a letter explaining the outcome.

When you’ll be paid

If you’re awarded Attendance Allowance, the decision letter will tell you when you’ll get your first payment.

If you apply online, your claim will start on the date you make your claim.

If you print and post the form, your claim will start on the date the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) receives it.

If you call the helpline to get a form, your claim will start on the date of your call (if you return the form within 6 weeks).

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.

Complaints

You can complain to DWP if you’re unhappy with the service you’ve received.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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