Attendance Allowance - How do I claim Attendance Allowance?

There are different ways to claim Attendance Allowance. 

England and Wales

You can apply online, by making an application on the GOV.UK website.

You can request a claim form over the phone, by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline:

• Telephone: 0800 731 0122
• Textphone: 0800 731 0317
• British Sign Language (BSL) users: Video Relay Service

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 6.00pm. The form comes with notes telling you how to complete it. 

You can download an Attendance Allowance claim form online, complete it and send it by post to:

• Attendance Allowance Unit
• Mail Handling Site A 
• Wolverhampton 
• WV98 2AD

If you apply by post, your claim will not start until the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) receives your form. After your claim form is received, you might have a face-to-face assessment if it’s unclear how your health condition or disability affects you.

Northern Ireland

You can apply online, by making an application on the NI Direct website.

You can request a claim form over the phone, by calling the Disability and Carers Service helpline:

• Telephone: 0800 587 0912
• Textphone: 0800 012 1574
• Irish Sign Language (ISL) and British Sign Language (BSL) users: Video Relay Service

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.00pm. The form comes with notes telling you how to fill it in. 

You can download an Attendance Allowance claim form online, complete it and send it by post to:

• Attendance Allowance 
• Disability and Carers Service 
• Mail Opening Unit 
• PO Box 42
• Limavady 
• BT49 4AN

If you apply by post, your claim will not start until the Department for Communities (DfC) receives your form. After your claim form is received, you might have a face-to-face assessment if it’s unclear how your health condition or disability affects you.

What documents will I need to claim Attendance Allowance?

You should give your national insurance number . If you do not have a national insurance number , complete and send the claim form anyway to prevent delays. You may also be asked for proof of your identity, such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence.

When will my Attendance Allowance claim begin?

A claim for Attendance Allowance cannot be backdated. 

The date of your claim will be the date you call and ask for a claim form, as long as you complete and return it within the time given. 

If you download a claim form online and return it to the DWP or DfC, the date of your claim is when your completed form is received.

Change of circumstances

You must report any changes of circumstance that might affect your entitlement. For example:

• You go into hospital or a care home
• Your condition gets worse or better
• You move house