Attendance Allowance is a benefit for over State Pension age people who need help with personal care or supervision. Here are 48 conditions that could make you eligible for the paymentLinda Howard Money and Consumer Writer and Lauren Haughey Lifestyle and Money Reporter
15:30, 05 Aug 2025
DWP full list of 48 conditions that could mean you’re entitled to £110 per week(Image: clubfoto via Getty Images)
Over a million individuals are receiving additional financial aid from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through Attendance Allowance. This benefit, either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, is designed for those of State Pension age who are dealing with long-term physical or mental health issues or disabilities.
To be eligible, Brits typically need to have a condition severe enough to necessitate care or supervision from another person and must have been receiving this assistance for at least six months. Despite seeming straightforward, Policy in Practice estimates that around 1.1 million eligible individuals are not claiming this support.
In an effort to simplify this process for those over State Pension age, we’ve compiled a list of over 40 health conditions usually covered by Attendance Allowance. The most frequently claimed disabling condition, as categorised by the DWP, is arthritis, reportedly supporting 460,993 individuals. It comes as State Pensioners are set to get a letter with update on an £8,300 boost.
The Mirror’s list of conditions isn’t a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance but rather a guide to help people understand what is and isn’t supported. If you require extra assistance during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, consult the official eligibility guidance on GOV.UK.
Health issues and disabilities that may qualify for Attendance Allowance
In 2024, the Daily Record has outlined the conditions under which you might qualify for claiming Attendance Allowance:
AIDSTraumatic Paraplegia/TetraplegiaPeripheral vascular DiseasePsychosisSpondylosisMetabolic DiseaseParkinsons DiseaseMultiple SclerosisBlood DisordersLearning DifficultiesMalignant DiseaseDementiaMotor Neurone DiseaseDeaf/BlindCerebrovascular DiseaseMultiple Allergy SyndromeRespiratory Disorders and DiseasesBack PainPsychoneurosisHyperkinetic SyndromeSeverely Mentally impairedNeurological DiseasesBowel and Stomach DiseaseBehavioural DisorderCystic FibrosisHeart DiseaseDiabetes MellitusInflammatory Bowel DiseaseInfectious diseases: Viral disease – Coronavirus covid-19Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/TetraplegiaSkin DiseaseChronic Pain SyndromesArthritisPersonality DisorderTrauma to LimbsAsthmaHearing DisordersMulti System DisordersVisual Disorders and DiseasesHaemodialysisRenal DisordersEpilepsyDisease Of The Muscles, Bones or JointsAlcohol and Drug AbuseDouble AmputeeTotal Parenteral NutritionFrailtyHaemophiliaDoes Attendance Allowance affect your State Pension?
No, it doesn’t impact your State Pension, and you can still claim it even if you’re employed and earning a wage.
Who is not eligible for Attendance Allowance?
If you’re already getting PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care expenses, you won’t qualify for Attendance Allowance. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while on DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires, provided you still fulfil the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance.
How to lodge a claim
To apply for Attendance Allowance, you’ll need to complete a detailed claim form. While this may seem daunting initially, assistance is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don’t let the form discourage you from applying.
If you prefer to manage the process yourself, follow the Citizens Advice guide to fill out your claim form here. Detailed instructions on how to get the application form by post or phone are available on the GOV.UK website here.