Attendance allowance is a tax-free benefit you can get if you have reached pension age (see Chapter 42(2) ), are physically or mentally disabled and need help with personal care or supervision to remain safe. You do not actually have to be getting any help; it is the help you need that is relevant. You can get attendance allowance even if you live alone; you do not need to have a carer. Attendance allowance is not means tested, there are no national insurance contribution tests, and it is paid in addition to other money in most cases (see 5 below ).

Attendance allowance acts as a ‘passport’ to other types of help (see Box B.11 ).

In Scotland, ‘pension age disability payment’ has replaced attendance allowance (see Chapter 6(16) ).