The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Attendance Allowance eligibility will rise in line with the State Pension age increase, affecting people born in specific years. The change follows the gradual rise of the State Pension age from 66 to 67, which is being phased in between April 2026 and April 2028 for both men and women.
Attendance Allowance age change confirmed
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. However, you can only get Attendance Allowance if you have reached State Pension age as a prerequisite. The DWP confirmed to BirminghamLive that Attendance Allowance eligibility will rise in line with the State Pension.
According to the charity Turn2Us, the State Pension age is gradually increasing from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. People affected should look out for a letter from the DWP with more information about changes to their State Pension age.
Who is affected by the new age rules
If you were born on or before 5 April 1960, your State Pension age is 66. If you were born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961, your State Pension age will be 66 years and a specified number of months. If you were born on or after 6 March 1961, your current State Pension age is 67.
Under the DWP timetable, if you were born between 6 September 1960 and 5 October 1960, you will reach State Pension age at 66 years and 6 months, from March 2027. The GOV.UK State Pension age calculator can be used to check the exact date you reach State Pension age.
Future increases and how to apply
Under current law, the State Pension age will increase from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046. However, the State Pension age is regularly reviewed, so this timetable could change.
For more information about your State Pension, the GOV.UK State Pension forecast tool provides details on when you can get your State Pension, how much you could get, and how you can increase it. Attendance Allowance can be applied for online or by post.
