Attendance Allowance › Fibromyalgia
Attendance Allowance and Fibromyalgia: Do You Qualify?
Last updated: April 2026 · Reviewed by: Silverwings Benefits Team · Source: DWP
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, exhaustion and 'brain fog' that can vary enormously from one day to the next, sometimes even hour to hour. Attendance Allowance is designed around exactly that kind of fluctuating, unpredictable need for help or supervision, not a fixed diagnosis.
Important: there\u2019s no list of qualifying conditions
Attendance Allowance isn\u2019t awarded because of a diagnosis \u2014 it\u2019s awarded based on the help and supervision you need day-to-day because of your health. Two people with fibromyalgia can have very different levels of need, and both routes below start with a free, no-obligation check.
Check If You're Eligible — Free, 60 Seconds
Check If You’re Likely to Qualify
A few quick questions about the help you need day-to-day — no jargon, no medical terms. Takes about 2 minutes.
No obligation · No cost to check
How Fibromyalgia Can Affect Daily Life
These are the kinds of everyday difficulties that can be relevant to an Attendance Allowance claim. Not everyone with fibromyalgia experiences all of these, and some people experience difficulties not listed here \u2014 this is general context, not a checklist to copy onto a form.
Widespread pain limiting movement
Pain across the body can make washing, dressing and getting in or out of a chair or bed slow, difficult, or something that needs someone else to help with.
Severe, unpredictable fatigue
Exhaustion that is not relieved by rest can mean some days basic tasks like cooking or washing are simply not possible without help.
Flare-ups after activity
Doing too much one day can trigger a flare that leaves someone needing significantly more help than usual for several days afterwards.
'Fibro fog' affecting memory and concentration
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or following conversations can mean needing prompting for medication, appointments, or everyday decisions.
Disturbed, unrefreshing sleep
Poor sleep quality often worsens pain and fatigue the following day, and can mean help is needed more at some times than others.
Sensitivity to touch and temperature
Increased sensitivity can make everyday contact, dressing, or bathing uncomfortable or painful, sometimes needing help to manage safely.
How Much Could You Get?
£76.70/wk
Lower Rate
Help needed by day or night
£114.60/wk
Higher Rate
Help needed by day and night
Tax-free, not means-tested \u2014 see full details on our main Attendance Allowance page.
Why Not Apply Alone?
Fibromyalgia claims are often under-assessed because the condition fluctuates so much, and it's easy to describe an average day rather than a bad flare. Getting this right matters — which is exactly the kind of detail our team focuses on.
DWP figures show 59% of new disability benefit claims are disallowed nationally. We\u2019ve helped hundreds of people apply successfully since October 2023, on a success-based fee basis \u2014 you only pay if your application succeeds.
Check If You're Eligible
Our free eligibility check takes just a couple of minutes. No obligation, no pressure.
Not sure Attendance Allowance is the right fit? Check everything you could be owed, free.