Attendance Allowance

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance (AA) is for people who have care needs or require supervision as a result of a disability and are over the State Pension age when those needs first arise. If you are below the State Pension age and need help with the cost of living because of your brain injury, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment instead.

Applying for AA

You can request a copy of the AA application form by contacting the AA helpline. Alternatively, you can download the form yourself from the government website.

The AA claims form will ask you about any help you need with looking after yourself such as with your personal hygiene, getting dressed, moving around, eating and drinking and socialising. You will also be asked about any additional care needs you have during the night. You do not need to be living with a carer or anyone else to be eligible.

AA application outcomes

If you are considered eligible for AA, you will either receive a lower rate or a higher rate. The rate received depends on how much care you need.

If it is decided that you are not eligible for AA and you disagree with this, or you do not agree with the rate of AA you are on, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration.

For more detailed guidance and advice, see the factsheet Attendance Allowance after brain injury (PDF).