What Other Benefits Can I Claim With Attendance Allowance

If you’re receiving Attendance Allowance, you might be wondering what other support you could get on top of it. The truth is, many people across the UK don’t realise that claiming Attendance Allowance can open the door to a wide range of extra benefits, discounts and financial help. In this guide, you’ll discover what other benefits can I claim with Attendance Allowance, how they work, and what steps you can take to make sure you’re not missing out.

What Should You Know About How Attendance Allowance Works?

What exactly is Attendance Allowance and who can get it?

Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care or supervision due to an illness, disability, or long-term health condition.

You don’t need to have a carer, and your income or savings won’t affect the amount you get.

There are two weekly rates:

• Lower rate (£73.90) – if you need help during either the day or night

• Higher rate (£110.40) – if you need help during both day and night

What does Attendance Allowance cover — and what doesn’t it cover?

Attendance Allowance supports your care needs, such as help with dressing, bathing, meal preparation, or staying safe at home.
However, it doesn’t include mobility support. So if you were hoping for transport or mobility-related help, AA doesn’t provide it directly — but it may still help you qualify for other support schemes.

What Other Benefits Could You Claim With Attendance Allowance?

Can Attendance Allowance help you get Council Tax Reduction?

Yes, it can. Many councils offer Council Tax Reduction (CTR) for people receiving disability-related benefits. Because Attendance Allowance proves that you need support or supervision, it can strengthen your CTR application.

You may be able to:

• Reduce your Council Tax bill

• Qualify for disability premium-based support

• Get discounts if you live alone or with someone who does not count for council tax purposes

Always check with your local council, as rules differ from one area to another.

Can you get Pension Credit because you receive Attendance Allowance?

If you’re on a low income, Pension Credit may top up your weekly income. Receiving Attendance Allowance doesn’t automatically grant Pension Credit — but it can increase your chances of qualifying.

If you qualify, Pension Credit can unlock even more support, including:

• Help with rent

• Free TV licence (if you’re 75+)

• Warm Home Discount

• Extra support with health costs

This is one of the most valuable benefits to check if you receive Attendance Allowance.

Can you get help with heating and energy bills while receiving Attendance Allowance?

If you’re wondering how to manage rising energy costs, you’ll be glad to know that Attendance Allowance can lead to additional help through benefits like:

• Warm Home Discount

• Winter Fuel Payment

• Cold Weather Payments

These are particularly helpful during the winter months, especially if you have long-term health conditions that mean you need to stay warm.

Can you get housing benefit or help with rent or mortgage costs?

Receiving Attendance Allowance can strengthen your claim for:

• Housing Benefit (if you’re renting)

• Help with mortgage interest payments (if you own your home and qualify through Pension Credit or other related benefits)

Even if you weren’t eligible before, AA may help you meet the criteria now.

Can someone claim Carer’s Allowance if they look after you?

If someone cares for you for 35 or more hours per week, they may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance — but only if you receive Attendance Allowance at either rate.

This can give your carer:

• Extra financial support

• Acknowledgement of the care they provide

It won’t reduce your Attendance Allowance, but it may affect the carer’s other benefits, so it’s important they check before applying.

Why Do Many People Miss Out on Extra Help Linked to Attendance Allowance?

Is lack of awareness stopping people from claiming full support?

Yes — and it’s more common than you might think. A lot of people who receive Attendance Allowance assume it’s a standalone benefit with nothing attached to it. Because of that, they often never explore whether it makes them eligible for extra financial support.

There are a few reasons why this happens:

• People don’t realise that Attendance Allowance is a “gateway benefit”, meaning it can open doors to other entitlements.

• Information on extra support is scattered across different websites and government pages, which can be confusing.

• Many older people try to manage on their own without seeking advice, so they miss opportunities to claim additional help that could ease daily living.

Do local council rules affect what you can claim?

Definitely. Your postcode can have a big impact on the level of support you’re entitled to. This is especially true for things like:

• Council Tax Reduction

• Housing Benefit (if applicable)

• Local welfare grants or hardship funds

• Energy support schemes offered by specific councils

Different councils operate different systems, and they each have their own rules, budgets, and criteria. For example, one council may give a higher Council Tax discount to someone who receives Attendance Allowance, while another may have stricter thresholds.

What Steps Should You Take to Claim Extra Benefits After Getting Attendance Allowance?

What should you check first once you receive your AA Award?

When your Attendance Allowance award letter arrives, check your details, the rate you’ve been awarded, and the start date. These details matter because you’ll need this letter when applying for extra support such as Council Tax Reduction, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or checking if someone can claim Carer’s Allowance for looking after you.

If anything looks wrong — such as your name, dates, or rate — contact the DWP straight away so future applications aren’t affected.

Who should you contact to apply for these additional benefits?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

What tools or services can help you understand your entitlements?

You can use a UK benefits calculator such as:

• Turn2Us

• EntitledTo

• Age UK benefits advice

These tools can help you see exactly which benefits your Attendance Allowance unlocks.

Conclusion

Understanding what other benefits you can claim with Attendance Allowance can make a huge difference to your financial stability and quality of life. From Council Tax Reduction and Pension Credit to support with heating, rent, and even help for your carers — there’s a whole range of assistance available once you’re receiving Attendance Allowance.

Make sure you check your eligibility regularly, reach out to your local council or a support organisation if you’re unsure, and take full advantage of the help designed to make life easier for you.

FAQs

1. Does Attendance Allowance affect your other benefits?

No — Attendance Allowance doesn’t reduce your other benefits, and it can often help you qualify for extra support.

2. How much Pension Credit will I get if I get Attendance Allowance?

The amount varies, but Attendance Allowance can increase your chances of qualifying for Pension Credit and may lead to a higher award.

3. How much money can you have in the bank on Attendance Allowance?

There’s no savings limit — your bank balance doesn’t affect your Attendance Allowance at all.

4. What qualifies for Pension Credit income?

Pension Credit is based on your weekly income, including pensions, savings income, and certain benefits, compared against the minimum guarantee level.

5. Can you get free glasses on Attendance Allowance?

Not directly, but you may get free glasses if you also qualify for Pension Credit or NHS optical support.