Those on State Pension may be entitled to an additional benefitSenior couple using computer and doing home finances at homeThe amount received depends on the level of support required(Image: FG Trade Latin via Getty Images)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released the latest figures, revealing that as of August 2024, nearly 1.7 million elderly people were claiming Attendance Allowance. This tax-free benefit, which is not means-tested, is valued at either £73.90 for the lower rate or £110.40 for the higher rate each week.

Typically paid every four weeks, this equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period – a total of around £5,740.80 over the current financial year. The amount received depends on the level of support required, and the benefit is designed to assist those of State Pension age with daily living costs, potentially enabling them to maintain their independence at home for longer.

There is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance.

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The benefit is designed to assist those with a disability, long-term illness, and mental or physical health problems. The range of conditions supported through Attendance Allowance is extensive, but the most common disabling condition, a term used by the DWP, is arthritis, which provides support for 483,376 people across Great Britain.

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It’s crucial to understand that this list isn’t a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance; it’s meant to help people comprehend what types of conditions are being supported. However, if you require additional assistance during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability, or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.

The figures below illustrate the percentage of people claiming for health issues related to these 48 conditions:

Arthritis – 47%Spondylosis – 48%Back pain – other / precise diagnosis not specified – 43%Disease of the muscles, bones or joints – 40%Trauma to limbs – 36%Visual disorders and diseases – 41%Hearing disorders – 42%Heart disease – 50%Respiratory disorders and diseases – 33%Asthma – 47%Cystic fibrosis – 27%Cerebrovascular disease – 42%Peripheral vascular disease – 41%Epilepsy – 44%Neurological diseases – 50%Multiple sclerosis – 52%Parkinson’s – 30%Motor neurone disease – 32%Chronic pain syndromes – 39%Diabetes mellitus – 39%Metabolic disease – 38%Traumatic paraplegia – 54%Major trauma other than traumatic/paraplegia – 45%Learning difficulties – 48%Psychosis – 44%Psychoneurosis – 38%Personality disorder – 48%Dementia – 20%Behavioral disorder – 28%Alcohol and drug abuse – 37%Hyperkinetic syndrome – 27%Renal disorders – 26%Inflammatory bowel disease – 42%Bowel and stomach disease – 37%Blood disorders – 39%Haemophilia – 39%Multi system disorders – 41%Multiple allergy syndrome – 44%Skin disease – 37%Malignant disease – 35%Haemodialysis – 22%Frailty – 100%AIDS – 47%Coronavirus covid-19 – 1%Viral disease – precise diagnosis not specified – 13%Tuberculosis – 53%Bacterial disease – precise diagnosis not specified – 43%Cognitive disorder (other) – 22%

It’s worth noting that there are special rules for people with a terminal illness to speed up their application – full details can be found on GOV.UK here. Below is all the information you need about Attendance Allowance, including the main health conditions being claimed, eligibility, and how to make a claim.

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Attendance Allowance is a financial aid designed to assist those with severe physical or mental disabilities that make self-care challenging, although it doesn’t cater to mobility needs. Importantly, you don’t need to have a carer to be eligible for this benefit.

Who’s eligible?

If you’re struggling with a disability or illness and require assistance or supervision throughout the day or night—even if you’re not currently receiving such help—you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance.

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This could include:

Help with your personal care – for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toiletHelp to stay safe

You’re also encouraged to apply if you find personal tasks difficult, for instance, if they’re time-consuming, cause discomfort, or require physical support like leaning on a chair. It’s worth noting that Attendance Allowance isn’t exclusively for people with a physical disability or illness.

You should also consider applying if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night due to:

A mental health condition.Learning difficulties.A sensory condition, such as deafness or visual impairment.READ MORE: DWP full list of 87 medical conditions that could qualify you for £110How much could I receive from Attendance Allowance?

You could be entitled to either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) per week, which equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period. The money can be used however you see fit and could potentially help you maintain your independence at home for longer.

Potential uses might include:

Covering the cost of taxis.Assistance towards bills.Employing a cleaner or gardener.READ MORE: DWP issues ‘beware’ warning to millions eligible for winter fuel paymentsCan I apply for Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?

Indeed. Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested so your other income or the amount you have in savings doesn’t matter – there’s no limit. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap, meaning you won’t have money deducted from any other benefits.

Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?

No, it won’t affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you’re still employed and earning money.

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The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:

Extra Pension CreditHousing Benefit ReductionCouncil Tax ReductionHow do I submit a claim?

You’ll need to fill out a lengthy claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It may seem intimidating at first but assistance is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don’t let the form deter you from applying. If you’d prefer to do it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to complete your claim form here. Full details of how to obtain the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

READ MORE: DWP confirms five groups of people who won’t receive Winter Fuel PaymentWhat happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?

If you’re considering applying for Attendance Allowance upon reaching State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately – this could potentially result in a higher payout.

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Those with a Scottish postcode are unable to claim Attendance Allowance. Instead, they must apply for Pension Age Disability Payment through Social Security Scotland – full details can be found here. You won’t qualify for Attendance Allowance if you’re already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs. If you attempt to apply for Attendance Allowance while on DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award instead.

You have the option to renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. If your renewal application is unsuccessful, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance. More information about Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.