Yes, you can get Attendance Allowance if you live alone. The DWP does not consider your living arrangements when deciding your claim — it looks at what care and supervision you need because of your disability or health condition. In fact, living alone is often relevant to your claim because it means there is no one at home to provide that help.
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age (currently 66) who have a physical or mental disability and need help with personal care or supervision.
See our full Attendance Allowance guide for complete eligibility rules and how to claim.
Attendance Allowance Rates 2026/27
| Rate | Weekly | Annual | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower rate | £72.65 | £3,778 | Care or supervision needed during the day OR at night |
| Higher rate | £108.55 | £5,645 | Care or supervision needed both day AND night, or terminal illness |
How Living Alone Affects Your Claim
Living alone does not stop you claiming — but it does change how your claim is assessed in practice.
What DWP looks at:
- What help you need with tasks such as washing, dressing, eating, taking medication, and getting to the toilet
- Whether you need someone to watch over you to prevent falls or accidents
- How often and for how long you need this help
What DWP does NOT ask:
- Whether anyone else lives with you
- Whether you have family or friends who help you
- Whether you currently manage without support (you can claim if you struggle or if the care is needed — even if you go without it because there is no one to provide it)
The “Living Alone” Advantage
When you live alone, you have no household member who could provide care. DWP guidance recognises that a person living alone may be at greater risk of accidents or harm without supervision. Describing how you manage (or struggle to manage) daily tasks without help is important in your claim form.
For example: if you live alone and cannot safely make a hot drink without risk of spillage or falls, that is a relevant care need — even if you currently avoid making hot drinks.
The Severe Disability Premium: A Key Benefit of Living Alone
If you receive Attendance Allowance and live alone (or count as living alone for benefit purposes), you may qualify for the severe disability premium within Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
The severe disability premium is approximately £76.40/week on top of your standard Pension Credit entitlement. It is only available if:
- No non-dependant aged 18 or over lives with you, AND
- No one claims Carer’s Allowance for looking after you
People who have a carer living with them cannot receive the severe disability premium — so if you live alone, you can receive both Attendance Allowance and the severe disability premium simultaneously.
Example: Living Alone on a Low Income with Arthritis
Doreen, 74, lives alone and has severe rheumatoid arthritis. She receives the lower rate of Attendance Allowance (£72.65/week) because she needs help with bathing and dressing during the day but manages overnight.
- Attendance Allowance: £72.65/week
- This triggers the severe disability premium within Pension Credit: +£76.40/week
- Total additional income: approximately £149/week (£7,748/year)
Without the living alone advantage (severe disability premium), she would receive only the Attendance Allowance.
How to Apply for Attendance Allowance
- Request a claim form by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline: 0800 731 0122 (free, Mon–Fri 8am–6pm), or download from gov.uk
- Describe your worst days — not your best. The form asks about your needs on a typical day; always describe what happens when your condition is at its worst
- Keep a diary for a week before completing the form — note every occasion you need help, struggle, or go without needed assistance
- Get support completing the form from Citizens Advice, Age UK, or your local council welfare rights team — properly supported claims have significantly higher success rates
- Claims are decided within 40 working days; terminal illness fast-track decisions are made within 10 days
For related benefits, see our guides to Pension Credit and Carer’s Allowance.