Check what you can claim
Billions of pounds in care-related benefits go unclaimed each year, mostly because people assume savings, a pension or owning a home rules them out. For the main care benefits it does not. Four questions.
Uses 2026/27 tax year rates, checked 2 August 2026.
What this tool does not do
- It does not make a decision. Only the DWP, your council or the NHS can do that.
- It does not calculate means-tested amounts, which depend on your full income, household and housing costs. For that, use a full benefits calculator such as the one at entitledto.co.uk or Turn2us.
- It is an estimate based on published rules and 2026/27 rates, not advice.
Common questions
Which care benefits are not means tested?
Attendance Allowance and PIP are not means tested and not taxable, so savings, pensions and property make no difference. Carer's Allowance ignores savings entirely but has a weekly earnings limit of £204.00.
Can I claim Attendance Allowance and PIP together?
No. They cover the same ground for different age groups. PIP is for working age adults, Attendance Allowance starts at State Pension age. If you already get PIP when you reach State Pension age it usually continues rather than switching.
Will claiming affect my other benefits?
Attendance Allowance and PIP are never deducted from other benefits and usually increase means-tested ones. The exception to watch is Carer’s Allowance, which can stop a severe disability premium for the person being cared for.
Is Pension Credit worth checking?
Yes, and it is heavily under-claimed. It tops up your weekly income and acts as a gateway to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, a free TV licence at 75 and over, and help with NHS costs. Getting Attendance Allowance can increase it further.