How long is attendance allowance awarded for?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have two options when awarding attendance allowance.

They can decide to award it indefinitely or for a fixed amount of time. Your decision letter will say how long your award will last.

If you get attendance allowance for a fixed period, you’ll need to renew your claim before it ends or your payments will stop.

You should get a letter about four months before your attendance allowance is due to end.

If you still meet the eligibility criteria, you can renew your claim.

There’ll be a renewal date on the letter. It’s best to send the completed claim form back before this date because, if you’re awarded attendance allowance again, there won’t be a break in your payments.

If you return the form after this date and DWP decide you’re still eligible for attendance allowance, your payments will start from the date they receive your new form.

I haven’t had an attendance allowance renewal letter

If your attendance allowance is due to end in the next two months and you haven’t had a letter, call the helpline anytime Monday to Friday, 8am to 6 pm:

Phone: 0800 731 0122

Textphone: 0800 731 0317

Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 731 0122 (lets you type what you want to say if you can’t hear or speak on the phone)

Calls are free from mobiles and landlines.

If you’re awarded attendance allowance for an indefinite period, it doesn’t mean you’ll get it forever. What it means is there’s no set date you’ll need to renew your claim.

DWP will let you know if they want to review your claim. This might happen if you tell them about a change in circumstances such as:

• your condition getting better
• your condition getting worse
• going into hospital
• going into a care home

You must tell DWP about any changes that could affect your attendance allowance.

If you've been diagnosed with a terminal illness and aren’t expected to live more than 12 months, there’s a fast-track application process for attendance allowance. When you apply, you should get a decision within two weeks.

If your application is successful, you’ll get the highest rate of attendance allowance for three years.