DWP Attendance Allowance Contact Number 2026
Introduction: The number you need and when to call it
If you need to claim Attendance Allowance, check a payment, or report a change of circumstances, the DWP Attendance Allowance contact number is 0800 731 0122. This independent guide explains the full contact details, what to have ready when you call, and how to avoid the most common mistake that costs claimants weeks of backdated payments.
Quick answer: Call 0800 731 0122 to request a claim form, ask about an existing claim, or report a change. The line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Calls are free from UK landlines and mobiles. If you cannot hear or speak on the phone, use Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 731 0122, or the textphone on 0800 731 0317.
Disclaimer: This is an independent informational website. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the DWP, HMRC, any UK government body or local council. Information is for general guidance only and is not financial or legal advice. Always check GOV.UK for the latest official information.
[LAST CHECKED: 9 October 2026]
Who should call the Attendance Allowance helpline?
The helpline is for anyone who has reached State Pension age (currently 66, rising to 67 between April 2026 and March 2028) and needs help with personal care or supervision because of a disability or health condition.
You may need to call if you:
Want to start a new claim and request the AA1 claim form
Have a question about an existing Attendance Allowance award
Need to report a change of circumstances (such as moving into a care home or a change in your care needs)
Want to check your payment date or report a missing payment
Need help understanding a decision letter
Important: If you live in Scotland, Attendance Allowance has been replaced by the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) . You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you live in Scotland. Instead, contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 (open 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).
Northern Ireland: The Attendance Allowance contact number for Northern Ireland is 0800 587 0912.
End of section. For more on eligibility, see our guide to Attendance Allowance Eligibility.
How much could you get? (2026/27 rates)
Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates. The rate you receive depends on the level of care you need, not the condition itself.
| Rate | Weekly amount | When you get it | Payment every 4 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower rate | £76.70 | Help during the day or night | £306.80 |
| Higher rate | £114.60 | Help during both day and night, or terminally ill | £458.40 |
These rates apply from April 2026 to April 2027.
Warning: Attendance Allowance is paid in arrears every 4 weeks. Your first payment may be larger than a standard payment because it covers the period from your claim date to your first payment cycle.
End of section. For a full breakdown, see our guide to Attendance Allowance Rates 2026/27.
How to claim: step by step
Step 1: Call the Attendance Allowance helpline first
Ring 0800 731 0122 to request a claim form. Do this before anything else. If you call to request a form and return it within 6 weeks, your claim is backdated to the date of your call, not the date the DWP receives your form. This can be worth hundreds of pounds.
Step 2: Complete the AA1 claim form
The form asks about your care needs during the day and night. Be specific and describe your worst days, not your best. Explain what help you need, how long tasks take, and whether you need supervision to stay safe.
Step 3: Gather supporting evidence
Send copies of care plans, GP letters, consultant reports, or hospital discharge summaries with your form. Do not send originals.
Step 4: Return the form within 6 weeks
Post it to the Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance address printed on the form. If you applied online and downloaded the form yourself, your claim is not backdated in the same way.
Step 5: Wait for the decision
You will receive a decision letter confirming your rate and payment start date. [VERIFY: current processing times on GOV.UK].
Documents you’ll need — checklist
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Your bank, building society or credit union account details
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Details of your health condition and care needs
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Contact details for your GP surgery
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The date you called the helpline (keep a note of it)
End of section. For help filling in the form, see our guide to Attendance Allowance Form Help.
Common mistakes that delay or reduce payments
Downloading the form online instead of calling. If you download and post the form yourself, your claim starts from the date the DWP receives it. Calling first preserves your claim date and can be worth 6 weeks or more of backdated payments.
Missing the 6-week return deadline. You have 6 weeks from the date you requested the form. If you miss it, your claim is treated as a new claim from the date the form is received.
Not describing your worst days. The decision-maker does not know you. Describe the days when your condition is at its worst, not the days when you manage better.
Assuming you cannot claim because of savings or income. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested. Your income and savings do not affect your claim.
Forgetting to report a move into a care home. Attendance Allowance usually stops after 28 days in a care home if your care is funded by the council. Tell the DWP straight away.
End of section. If your payment stops unexpectedly, see our guide to Attendance Allowance Payment Problems.
What happens after you apply?
Timelines: Once your claim is approved, your decision letter confirms your rate and start date. Your first payment covers the period from your claim date. [VERIFY: current processing times on GOV.UK].
How payments work: Payments go directly into your bank account every 4 weeks in arrears. The lower rate pays £306.80 per payment; the higher rate pays £458.40.
If you disagree with the decision: You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration. The normal time limit is one month from the decision date, but you may be allowed up to 13 months if you have a good reason for the delay. If you are still unhappy, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
If you live in Scotland: Your claim is handled by Social Security Scotland, not the DWP. PADP has its own re-determination and appeal process. [VERIFY: current PADP appeal process on mygov.scot].
End of section. For appeals, see our Mandatory Reconsideration Guide.
Related support you might be missing
Pension Credit: If you get Attendance Allowance and have a low income, you may be able to get Pension Credit with a severe disability addition. This is paid on top of your basic Pension Credit.
Carer’s Allowance: If someone cares for you for at least 35 hours a week, they may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance. [VERIFY: current rate and earnings limit on GOV.UK].
Council Tax Reduction: Getting Attendance Allowance can increase your entitlement to Council Tax Reduction or Housing Benefit.
Scottish Child Payment (Scotland): If you have a child under 16 and live in Scotland, you may be able to get an extra £28.20 per week per child. [VERIFY: current rate on mygov.scot].
Quick summary checklist
DWP Attendance Allowance contact number: 0800 731 0122.
Textphone: 0800 731 0317.
Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 731 0122.
Northern Ireland: 0800 587 0912.
Scotland (PADP): 0800 182 2222.
Call first to preserve your backdating.
Return your form within 6 weeks.
Lower rate pays £306.80 per 4-week payment.
Higher rate pays £458.40 per 4-week payment.
FAQs
What is the DWP Attendance Allowance contact number?
The DWP Attendance Allowance helpline is 0800 731 0122. It is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Calls are free from UK landlines and mobiles. Use 0800 731 0317 for textphone or 18001 then 0800 731 0122 for Relay UK.
Can I claim Attendance Allowance by phone?
You cannot complete the full claim by phone, but you can call to request the claim form. This is the recommended first step because it preserves your claim date. You then complete the paper form and return it within 6 weeks.
What number do I call in Scotland for Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance has been replaced in Scotland by the Pension Age Disability Payment. Call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. The line is open 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
How long does it take to get Attendance Allowance after calling?
After you return your form, the DWP processes your claim. You will receive a decision letter confirming your rate and payment start date. [VERIFY: current processing times on GOV.UK]. Payments are made every 4 weeks in arrears.
Can I get Attendance Allowance backdated?
Yes, if you call the helpline first to request a form and return it within 6 weeks. Your claim is backdated to the date of your call. If you download and post the form yourself, your claim is not backdated in the same way.
Conclusion
The DWP Attendance Allowance contact number is 0800 731 0122. Call it first if you want to claim, because doing so preserves your claim date and can be worth hundreds of pounds in backdated payments. Return your form within 6 weeks, describe your worst days honestly, and remember that Attendance Allowance is not means-tested. If you live in Scotland, contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 instead, because Attendance Allowance has been replaced by the Pension Age Disability Payment.
For more help, see our guides to Attendance Allowance Rates 2026/27, How to Claim Attendance Allowance, and Pension Age Disability Payment Scotland.