The main difference is age. PIP is for people aged 16 to State Pension age. Attendance Allowance (AA) is for people who reach State Pension age. You cannot claim PIP if you are over State Pension age and have never claimed it before.
Key Differences
Age: PIP = working age (16 to State Pension age). AA = State Pension age and over.
Components: PIP has daily living AND mobility. AA only has care (daily living) - there is NO mobility component in AA.
Assessment: PIP requires a health assessment. AA usually does not - most AA claims are decided on paper.
Rates: AA has two rates - lower (£72.65/week) and higher (£108.55/week). These match PIP daily living rates.
What If I Already Have PIP and Reach State Pension Age?
If you claimed PIP before reaching State Pension age, you keep PIP for as long as your award lasts. You do not switch to AA. When your PIP award ends, you will be reviewed on PIP (not moved to AA). This is important because PIP includes mobility - AA does not.
What If I Never Claimed PIP?
If you reach State Pension age without ever having claimed PIP, you cannot start a new PIP claim. You must claim Attendance Allowance instead. You lose access to the mobility component entirely.
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