As of August 2024, nearly 1.7 million elderly individuals were receiving Attendance Allowance, a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This allowance, which is designed to assist with daily living costs, offers either a lower rate of £73.90 or a higher rate of £110.40 per week during the 2025/26 fiscal year, depending on the level of support needed.
Typically paid every four weeks, this translates to either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment cycle—totaling approximately £5,740.80 over the course of the year. The allowance is intended to help those of State Pension age remain independent at home by contributing to their daily care needs. However, it’s important to note that Attendance Allowance does not include a mobility component.
Conditions Eligible for Attendance Allowance
While Attendance Allowance can support a wide range of health conditions, the most common among claimants is arthritis. The DWP has released a list of 48 health conditions that often qualify for the benefit. This list is not a checklist for claiming but rather a guide to help potential applicants understand the conditions that can make them eligible for support.
Here are some of the most commonly claimed conditions, along with the percentage of claimants reporting each condition:
Arthritis – 47%
Spondylosis – 48%
Back Pain (diagnosis unspecified) – 43%
Heart Disease – 50%
Respiratory Disorders – 33%
Asthma – 47%
Epilepsy – 44%
Neurological Diseases – 50%
Multiple Sclerosis – 52%
Parkinson’s Disease – 30%
Diabetes Mellitus – 39%
Traumatic Paraplegia – 54%
Dementia – 20%
Alcohol and Drug Abuse – 37%
Inflammatory Bowel Disease – 42%
Malignant Disease – 35%
Frailty – 100%
Additionally, special provisions exist for individuals with terminal illnesses, expediting their application process. More information on these rules can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Eligibility for Attendance Allowance
To be eligible for Attendance Allowance, applicants must have a disability or illness that requires help or supervision during the day or at times during the night—whether or not this help is currently being received. The assistance needed could include personal care tasks such as:
Getting dressed, eating, drinking, and using the toilet
Help with mobility, such as getting in and out of bed
Assistance to ensure safety and prevent accidents
The benefit is not limited to those with physical disabilities or illnesses. It also applies to individuals with mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or sensory impairments like vision or hearing loss.
How to Claim Attendance Allowance
To apply for Attendance Allowance, individuals must complete a detailed claim form, which can be a daunting process. However, support is available from local Citizens Advice services to help navigate the application. Alternatively, applicants can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill out the claim form, or obtain the form by post or over the phone via GOV.UK.
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