Attendance Allowance vs PIP: Which One Should You Claim?
By the RightfulUK team • • 4 min read • Reviewed for accuracy
Attendance Allowance and PIP are both disability benefits, but they're for different age groups. Confusingly, you can't always choose which one to claim.
Here's a clear comparison.
The Key Differences
PIP (Personal Independence Payment): - Age: 16 to State Pension age (when first claimed) - Components: Daily Living + Mobility - Assessment: Usually face-to-face, phone, or video - Rates: £28.70 to £184.30/week
Attendance Allowance (AA): - Age: State Pension age and over - Components: Daily Living only (no mobility) - Assessment: Usually paper-based (no face-to-face) - Rates: £72.65 or £108.55/week
The biggest difference: AA has no mobility component. If you need help getting around, PIP is much more valuable.
Which One Can You Claim?
Under State Pension age: Claim PIP Over State Pension age, never had PIP/DLA: Claim Attendance Allowance Already receiving PIP when you reach pension age: You KEEP PIP (and its mobility component) Already receiving DLA when you reach pension age: You keep DLA until told to move to PIP
Important: If you're approaching State Pension age and have a disability, claim PIP BEFORE you reach pension age. This way you keep the mobility component. Once you're over pension age, you can only claim AA (no mobility).
Is Attendance Allowance Easier to Get?
Generally, yes:
- No face-to-face assessment (usually paper-based) - Simpler form - Only two rates (not four) - Decision makers tend to be more sympathetic to older applicants
But the same principles apply: - Describe how your condition affects daily activities - Use specific examples - Focus on worst days - Include evidence from your GP - Get witness statements from family
What Does Each One Unlock?
PIP Enhanced Mobility unlocks: - Blue Badge ✅ - Motability Scheme ✅ - Free vehicle tax ✅
Attendance Allowance unlocks: - Blue Badge ❌ (not automatically, but can apply separately) - Motability ❌ - Vehicle tax exemption ❌
Both unlock: - Carer's Allowance for your carer - Council Tax Reduction - Pension Credit disability premiums (AA only) - Warm Home Discount
How to Maximise Your Entitlement
1. If you're approaching pension age — Claim PIP NOW to keep the mobility component 2. If you're already over pension age — Claim Attendance Allowance (it's easier to get) 3. If you're on PIP reaching pension age — DO NOT switch. Keep PIP. 4. If you're on the lower AA rate — Request a review if your condition has worsened
Many older people don't claim because they think 'everyone has aches and pains at my age.' But age-related conditions absolutely qualify.
Related Articles
- PIP Assessment Trick Questions: How to Answer Honestly Without Hurting Your Claim — 5 min read
- PIP Help UK: Free Help With Your PIP Claim, Appeal & Tribunal (2026) — 6 min read
- PIP Eligibility: Who Can Claim PIP in 2026? (Simple Checklist) — 4 min read
- Disability Benefits UK: Complete Guide to Every Benefit You Can Claim (2026) — 7 min read
Related Tools & Guides
- Free PIP Eligibility Checker — estimate your likely points
- Mandatory Reconsideration Letter Builder — challenge the DWP decision
- Tribunal Preparation Tool — practice panel questions
- PIP Condition Guides — descriptors for your condition