PIP DLA Attendance Allowance Rates – Compare Benefits 2024/2025

Choosing between Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance (AA) can be confusing. Both are non‑means‑tested benefits designed to help with disability‑related costs, but they serve different age groups and cover different types of needs. This article provides a detailed comparison of rates, eligibility rules, and claim pitfalls for 2024/2025.

What is the difference between PIP and Attendance Allowance?

The primary difference between Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance (AA) is age. PIP is for working‑age adults aged 16 to State Pension age, while Attendance Allowance is for those who have reached State Pension age (currently 66 or 67, depending on your date of birth).

A second major difference lies in what each benefit covers. PIP has two components: daily living and mobility. Attendance Allowance covers care and supervision needs only and does not include any mobility element. This distinction is crucial, especially for older adults transitioning from PIP to AA later in life.

Key insights

• PIP and Attendance Allowance cannot be claimed at the same time, but you can switch when you reach State Pension age.
• Attendance Allowance weekly rates are slightly higher than PIP daily living component rates if comparing like‑for‑like care needs. AA higher rate is £114.60/week vs PIP enhanced daily living £108.55/week.
• Attendance Allowance has no mobility component, making PIP more generous for those who need help getting around.
• PIP is often more suitable for working‑age claimants with fluctuating conditions, while AA is designed for long‑term care needs in older age.
• Attendance Allowance claim forms (AA1) are notoriously complex and many claims are initially rejected due to incomplete answers.

Key facts about PIP and Attendance Allowance rates (2024/2025)

How much is Attendance Allowance per month? (2024/2025 Rates)

Attendance Allowance is quoted as a weekly rate, but it is usually paid every 4 weeks. For 2024, the lower rate is £76.70 per week and the higher rate is £114.60 per week. These rates are confirmed by GOV.UK Attendance Allowance rates.

Paid every 4 weeks, the lower rate amounts to approximately £306.80 per month, while the higher rate is approximately £458.40 per month.

Attendance Allowance higher rate criteria

The higher rate of Attendance Allowance is for people who need frequent help or constant supervision during both the day and the night, or who are terminally ill under special rules. The lower rate applies to those needing help either during the day or at night.

PIP rates vs Attendance Allowance rates: a direct comparison

PIP has four possible rates: two for daily living (standard £72.65, enhanced £108.55) and two for mobility (standard £28.70, enhanced £75.75). Attendance Allowance has just two rates. For a claimant who only needs care, AA may pay slightly more. For someone who also needs help moving around, PIP is more generous.

What medical conditions qualify Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is not awarded based on a specific list of medical conditions. Instead, it focuses on the level of help, supervision, or care you need due to a disability or illness. Conditions like dementia, arthritis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and visual impairment are common among claimants.

Can you claim Attendance Allowance for dementia?

Yes, dementia is one of the most common conditions for which Attendance Allowance is claimed, provided you need help with personal care or supervision. The claim form (AA1) asks about support needs during the day and night.

For more details on the claim process, see the Citizens Advice Attendance Allowance guide.

Overlap with other benefits

If you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment, you cannot claim Attendance Allowance at the same time. As Mencap confirms: “You cannot get Attendance Allowance if you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA). If you get Personal Independence Payment (PIP).” For more, see the Mencap – Attendance Allowance.

Attendance Allowance can also affect other benefits. It often triggers additional support such as Council Tax Reduction or extra Pension Credit. It does not reduce your State Pension because it is non‑means‑tested. For more information on how Constant Attendance Allowance interacts with PIP, see GOV.UK Constant Attendance Allowance.

What are the Attendance Allowance pitfalls? (Form & Claim Tips)

Applying for Attendance Allowance is notoriously tricky. The form is paper‑based and many claims are initially rejected due to inconsistent or incomplete answers. Here are the most common pitfalls.

• Age confusion: You cannot apply for new PIP claims once you reach State Pension age.
• Mobility gap for older adults: Transitioning from PIP to AA means losing your mobility component.
• Assessment type change: Moving from PIP (points‑based) to AA (GP evidence) requires documentation.
• Application timing: Apply for AA before your PIP ends to avoid a gap.
• Continuity issues: AA is not automatic — you must manually reapply.
• Underclaiming: Many eligible older adults do not claim, often due to lack of awareness.

How do I fill in the Attendance Allowance form correctly?

The AA1 form requires detailed answers about your care needs. The key is to describe a typical day and night, explaining what help you need and when. Avoid downplaying your needs. Carers UK has a Carers UK Attendance Allowance advice page with practical tips for filling in the form.

When should you consider switching from PIP to Pension age?

The transition from PIP to AA at State Pension age is not automatic. You must claim AA.

1. State Pension age (currently 66‑67): PIP stops. You can claim Attendance Allowance instead. Apply for AA before PIP ends to avoid a gap.
2. Terminal diagnosis (DS1500): Fast‑track claim for both PIP and special rules. Use DS1500 form to speed up process.
3. Annual rate review (April 2024): New PIP and AA rates announced. Check for updated amounts.
4. Claim processing time (8‑12 weeks typical): Wait for DWP decision on AA or PIP claim. Fill forms fully and provide evidence to avoid delay.

What is certain vs uncertain about PIP and Allowance?

Why does PIP and Attendance Allowance work in practice?

PIP and Attendance Allowance serve overlapping but distinct populations: working‑age vs pension‑age. The key differentiator is mobility: AA has no mobility component, making PIP a more comprehensive benefit for those who need help getting around.

Financially, the AA higher rate is £6.05/week more than PIP enhanced daily living, but offers no extra for mobility. The claim process is significantly different: AA forms are paper‑based and considered complex; PIP (PIP1 and PIP2) can be completed online. Claim complexity varies, and many eligible claimants may not apply. For official details on PIP, refer to GOV.UK Personal Independence Payment.

The number of people claiming Attendance Allowance in Great Britain is 1.8 million (August 2024 statistics). Research from charities suggests many more eligible people are still not claiming.

Sources and official guidance

Lower rate: £76.70, Higher rate: £114.60.

— GOV.UK Attendance Allowance page

There are 2 different ‘rates’ of Attendance Allowance – you’ll either get £76.70 or £114.60 a week.

— Citizens Advice

Which benefit is right for you?

Choosing between PIP and Attendance Allowance depends primarily on your age and the nature of your needs. If you are under State Pension age and need help with both daily living and mobility, PIP is the appropriate benefit. If you are older and need care only (without significant mobility requirements), Attendance Allowance may be appropriate. Always seek advice from Citizens Advice or a welfare rights specialist for individual cases. For further details see the PIP vs Attendance Allowance: Comprehensive Comparison 2024‑2025 and PIP vs Attendance Allowance for a quick overview.

Frequently Asked Questions