Older people receiving Attendance Allowance could see their weekly payments increase in April 2027 as the UK government prepares to uprate benefits for the new tax year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a 3.5% increase for a range of benefits, including support for people with disabilities and additional care needs.
Based on the current Attendance Allowance rates, the increase would bring the lower weekly payment to approximately £79.38 and the higher payment to £118.61. The corresponding annual amounts would be £4,127.76 and £6,167.72, respectively.
However, the precise Attendance Allowance rates should be distinguished from the wider benefit uprating announcement. The government has outlined the percentage increase and its intended implementation date, while the final benefit figures remain subject to the relevant confirmation.
For pensioners and people approaching state pension age, the change could provide additional support with the costs associated with disability, illness, and personal care.
Increase
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit administered by the DWP. It is intended for people who have reached the qualifying age and need help with personal care because of a disability or health condition.
Unlike means-tested benefits, eligibility for Attendance Allowance does not depend on a person’s income or savings. This means that people may qualify even if they receive a state pension, have other income, or hold savings.
The GOV.UK Attendance Allowance guidance explains the eligibility requirements and application process.
Under the current rates provided, eligible claimants receive either £76.70 or £114.60 per week. The amount depends on the level of care required and whether the person meets the conditions for the lower or higher rate.
A 3.5% increase would result in the following estimated payments:
| Payment Rate | Current Weekly Amount | Estimated Weekly Amount | Estimated Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower rate | £76.70 | £79.38 | £4,127.76 |
| Higher rate | £114.60 | £118.61 | £6,167.72 |
The calculations use the stated 3.5% increase and 52 weekly payments. The final payable rates may depend on official rounding and confirmation.
Eligibility
Attendance Allowance is designed to help with additional costs associated with a disability or health condition. It is not intended to replace a person’s income or cover the full cost of professional care.
To qualify, applicants generally need to have reached state pension age and have a disability or health condition that means they require help with personal care or supervision.
The benefit is based on care needs rather than the specific diagnosis. Someone may qualify because they need assistance with activities such as washing, dressing, eating, or managing personal safety.
The allowance is paid directly to eligible claimants. There is no requirement to spend the money on a particular service or care provider.
Because Attendance Allowance is non-means-tested, savings and income do not determine eligibility. However, applicants must meet the relevant residence, presence, and care requirements.
Dates
The government has stated that the new benefit rates will apply in the 2027-28 tax year, with most changes taking effect from April 12, 2027.
In a statement to Parliament, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said that benefits covered by the statutory review would receive increases based on the relevant inflation and earnings measures.
The statement distinguishes between different categories of payments. The basic and full rates of the new state pension are set to increase by 3.9%, reflecting average weekly earnings growth in the year to May-July 2026.
Other benefits, including most working-age benefits and disability-related support, are set to rise by 3.5%, in line with the Consumer Prices Index increase in the year to September 2026.
The DWP’s official benefit and pension rates information provides information about benefit rates and annual uprating.
Pension
The state pension will receive a separate increase under the government’s triple lock commitment.
The full annual rate of the new state pension is expected to rise by approximately £490, while the full annual rate of the basic state pension is expected to increase by around £375.
The triple lock is designed to increase the basic and new state pension by the highest of three measures: earnings growth, inflation, or 2.5%.
The statement also confirms an increase in the Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee. From April 2027, it is expected to reach £247.30 per week for a single pensioner and £377.40 per week for a couple.
Pension Credit is separate from Attendance Allowance. It is a means-tested benefit intended to help eligible pensioners with lower incomes. The GOV.UK Pension Credit guidance explains who may qualify and how to apply.
Support
The proposed Attendance Allowance increase could provide additional financial support for older people who have care needs. The amount received will depend on the rate awarded, while eligibility continues to be based on the claimant’s circumstances.
For people already receiving the benefit, the uprating is expected to be applied through the regular payment system. Those considering an application can review the official eligibility criteria and application guidance before making a claim.
The distinction between Attendance Allowance, state pension payments, and Pension Credit is important. Each benefit serves a different purpose, and eligibility conditions vary.
The announced 3.5% increase provides an indication of how disability-related benefits may change in 2027-28. Claimants should refer to the DWP’s final published rates for confirmation of the exact weekly amounts and implementation details.
