Here’s everything you need to know about claiming for the DWP benefit
Linda Howard and Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
12:11, 22 Sep 2025
Pensioners with certain health conditions could be eligible for Attendance Allowance(Image: Getty)
Millions of older people in the UK could be eligible for financial support amounting to £5,740.80 annually. Pensioners with certain health conditions may qualify for the Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The DWP has disclosed that nearly 1.7 million older UK residents were claiming Attendance Allowance as of the end of August 2024. This non-means-tested, tax-free benefit offers either £73.90 at the lower rate or £110.40 at the higher rate each week.
As reported by the Daily Record, Attendance Allowance is typically paid every four weeks, equating to either £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period – a total of approximately £5,740.80 over the current fiscal year. The amount received hinges on the level of support needed, with the benefit intended to help those of State Pension age with daily living expenses, thus allowing them to maintain their independence at home for longer.
It’s important to note that there is no mobility component associated with Attendance Allowance. In terms of aiding people with health conditions, the benefit supports those with disabilities, long-term illnesses, and mental or physical health problems.
A broad spectrum of conditions are covered by Attendance Allowance, but arthritis is the most common disabling condition – a term used by the DWP – providing assistance for 483,376 people across Great Britain. It’s important to note that this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, but rather it serves to help people understand what types of conditions are being supported.
If you need extra support throughout the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, it’s worth checking the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.
The following figures show 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%Parkinsons – 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%Behavioural 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 bearing in mind that there are special rules for people with a terminal illness to speed up their application – full details can be found on GOV.UK.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a benefit designed to help with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that it hampers your ability to care for yourself – it does not cover mobility needs. It’s crucial to understand that having someone caring for you is not a requirement for making a claim.
Who is eligible?
If you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if you’re not currently receiving that help, you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance.
This could include:
Assistance with personal care – such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toiletHelp to ensure your safety
You might want to consider applying if you find personal tasks challenging, for example, if they take a long time, cause discomfort, or if you require physical support, such as a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn’t solely for people with a physical disability or illness.
You should also apply if you need assistance or supervision throughout the day or night and have:
A mental health conditionLearning difficultiesA sensory condition – if you are deaf or visually impairedHow much could I receive from Attendance Allowance?
You could be entitled to either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week. This equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period.
The money can be spent however you wish and it could help you maintain your independence in your own home for longer.
This might include:
Covering taxi faresContributing towards billsPaying for a cleaner or gardenerHow do I make a claim?
To apply for Attendance Allowance, you’ll need to complete a lengthy claim form. It may seem daunting at first, but help is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don’t let the form deter you from applying.
If you’d prefer to handle it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to complete your claim form here. Comprehensive instructions on how to obtain the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Changes to Attendance Allowance in Scotland
Elderly Scots can no longer claim Attendance Allowance and must instead apply for the new devolved benefit, Pension Age Disability Payment. Recent figures from Social Security Scotland show that nearly 1,875 individuals over the age of 66 were receiving Pension Age Disability Payments at the end of April.
The benefit follows the same eligibility criteria and payment award scale as DWP, but is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland. Full details on the benefit can be found on MYGOV.SCOT here.