The DWP payment is given to people who are over the State Pension age and have a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health condition
Some people could claim extra support through the DWP(Image: Getty Images)
Over 1.7 million people over the State Pension age across the UK are eligible to receive £1,362 each month through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Attendance Allowance, which is separate from the State Pension, offers additional financial aid for older people with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition.
Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested and is valued at either £73.90 for the lower rate or £110.40 for the higher rate each week. As this benefit is typically paid every four weeks, it equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment period.
The full New State Pension is currently valued at £230.25 per week, which amounts to £921 when paid every four weeks.
Attendance Allowance can combine with the State Pension(Image: Getty Images)
Over the 2025/26 financial year, annual payments are worth £11,973, according to the Daily Record.
However, it’s crucial to note that not all of the 4.1 million people on the New State Pension receive the full amount as it is tied to National Insurance Contributions.
The full Basic State Pension is now worth £176.45 per week, or £705.80 every four-week payment period. Over the 2025/26 financial year, annual payments are worth £9,175.40.
To check your own future State Pension payments, use the online forecasting tool on GOV.UK here.
The sum awarded for Attendance Allowance hinges on the degree of assistance needed. This benefit is intended to aid individuals of State Pension age with daily living costs due to their health condition, enabling them to retain independence in their own home for an extended period.
There is no mobility component linked to Attendance Allowance.
Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance
The conditions listed below are sourced from information recorded on the DWP’s Attendance Allowance system:
A number of health conditions are supported by Attendance Allowance(Image: Getty Images)Multiple SclerosisPsychoneurosisCystic FibrosisInfectious diseases: Viral disease – Coronavirus covid-19Traumatic Paraplegia/TetraplegiaDouble AmputeeFrailtyMajor Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/TetraplegiaTotal Parenteral NutritionMultiple Allergy SyndromeNeurological DiseasesLearning DifficultiesRenal DisordersEpilepsyRespiratory Disorders and DiseasesMulti System DisordersAIDSDementiaSeverely Mentally impairedHearing DisordersAlcohol and Drug AbuseSpondylosisMalignant DiseaseSkin DiseaseArthritisAsthmaVisual Disorders and DiseasesDeaf/BlindMetabolic DiseaseHaemophiliaHaemodialysisBehavioural DisorderBowel and Stomach DiseaseDiabetes MellitusInflammatory Bowel DiseaseParkinsons DiseasePsychosisDisease Of The Muscles, Bones or JointsBack PainHyperkinetic SyndromeBlood DisordersHeart DiseaseMotor Neurone DiseasePersonality DisorderTrauma to LimbsPeripheral vascular DiseaseCerebrovascular DiseaseChronic Pain Syndromes
Here’s a brief rundown of what you need to know about Attendance Allowance, including how to kick-start your application. Comprehensive information about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Who can claim?
You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and require assistance or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if you’re not currently receiving that help.
If you struggle with personal tasks, such as needing a long time to complete them, experiencing pain, or requiring physical assistance like leaning on a chair, you should consider applying. Attendance Allowance isn’t solely for individuals with a physical disability or illness.