The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) latest figures reveal that nearly 1.6 million older people were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance at the end of November 2023.

Attendance Allowance is valued at either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) per week. As the benefit is typically paid every four weeks, this equates to either £290.60 or £434.20 each pay period - a total of £5,644.60 over the 2024/25 fiscal year.

The amount received depends on the level of support required. The benefit is designed to assist individuals of State Pension age with daily living expenses, which can also help them maintain independence in their own homes for longer.

It's crucial to note that there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance.

Attendance Allowance aids individuals with a disability, long-term illness, and mental or physical health conditions - more than 50 conditions are supported through the benefit. The most common disabling condition claimed - a term used by the DWP - is arthritis, supporting 449,077 people across Great Britain, including 41,055 in Scotland, reports the Daily Record.

Here's everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance, including the main health conditions being claimed, eligibility, and how to make a claim.

Number of Attendance Allowance claimants - November 2023

  • Scotland - 140,716
  • England - 1,321,779
  • Wales - 103,653
  • Living abroad - 5,323
  • Total - 1,571,519

Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance

The conditions mentioned below are derived from data recorded on the DWP's Attendance Allowance computer system.

It's crucial to understand that this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, but rather it aims to help people comprehend what type 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 refer to the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.

Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain
  • Arthritis
  • Spondylosis
  • Back Pain
  • Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
  • Trauma to Limbs
  • Visual Disorders and Diseases
  • Hearing Disorders
  • Heart Disease
  • Respiratory Disorders and Diseases
  • Asthma
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Cerebrovascular Disease
  • Peripheral vascular Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Neurological Diseases
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinsons Disease
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Chronic Pain Syndromes
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Metabolic Disease
  • Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
  • Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
  • Learning Difficulties
  • Psychosis
  • Psychoneurosis
  • Personality Disorder
  • Dementia
  • Behavioural Disorder
  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse
  • Hyperkinetic Syndrome
  • Renal Disorders
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Bowel and Stomach Disease
  • Blood Disorders
  • Haemophilia
  • Multi System Disorders
  • Multiple Allergy Syndrome
  • Skin Disease
  • Malignant Disease
  • Severely Mentally impaired
  • Double Amputee
  • Deaf/Blind
  • Haemodialysis
  • Frailty
  • Total Parenteral Nutrition
  • AIDS
  • Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19

Attendance Allowance is also assisting 44,894 individuals with a terminal illness.

Who can claim?

You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you don't currently get that help.

This might 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 toilet.
  • Help to stay safe.

You should also consider applying if you struggle with personal tasks, such as those that take a long time, cause pain or require physical assistance, like needing a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn't exclusively for individuals with a physical disability or illness.

It's also worth claiming if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:

  • a mental health condition.
  • learning difficulties.
  • a sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired.

How much could I receive on Attendance Allowance?

You could be eligible for either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week. This equates to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period.

The money can be spent however you wish and it could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for longer.

This might include:

  • paying for taxis.
  • contributing towards bills.
  • hiring a cleaner or gardener.

Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?

Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so your other income or savings don't matter - there's no limit.

It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have funds 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 working and earning money.

How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?

If you're eligible for Attendance Allowance, you might also be entitled to additional benefits such as:.

  • Extra Pension Credit.
  • Housing Benefit Reduction.
  • Council Tax Reduction.

How to claim

You'll need to fill out a lengthy claim form when applying for Attendance Allowance. It may seem overwhelming at first, but assistance is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age.

Full instructions on how to obtain the application form by post or phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

What if I'm nearing State Pension age?

If you're considering applying for Attendance Allowance as you approach State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately - you could potentially receive more money.

Who's not eligible for Attendance Allowance?

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 apply for Attendance Allowance while receiving DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award instead.

You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance.

For more information about Attendance Allowance, visit the GOV. UK website here.