More than 1.8 million pensioners in the UK currently receive Attendance Allowance, a non-means-tested benefit providing up to £110.40 per week for those needing daily care or supervision.
While the benefit is widely available, it remains under-claimed, potentially leaving many entitled individuals without essential financial support.
To help with awareness, the DWP has identified 48 health conditions that commonly qualify for the higher rate of £110.40/week. This article outlines everything clearly: eligibility, qualifying conditions, and how to apply.
Attendance Allowance at a Glance
| Benefit Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Weekly amounts | Lower rate: £73.90 (day or night help); Higher rate: £110.40 (both day & night or terminal illness) |
| Eligibility requirements | Must be State Pension age; need help caring for yourself for 6+ months (except terminal illness) |
| Most common condition claimed | Arthritis—claimed by nearly 449,000 pensioners |
| Under-claiming issue | Around 1.1 million eligible pensioners may not be claiming Attendance Allowance |
The 48 Health Conditions That May Qualify
The DWP identifies these health conditions most frequently associated with Attendance Allowance higher-rate claims:
- Arthritis (most common)
- Spondylosis
- Back Pain
- Disorders of Muscles, Bones, or Joints
- Visual Disorders
- Hearing Disorders
- Heart Disease
- Respiratory Diseases (e.g., Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis)
- Stroke / Cerebrovascular Disease
- Neurological Conditions (Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease)
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Dementia
- Learning Difficulties
- Mental Health Conditions (Psychosis, Personality Disorder, Depression/Anxiety)
- Malignant Disease (Cancer)
- Frailty / Severe Disabilities (Paraplegia, Amputation, Deaf-Blind)
- Bowel, Stomach, Renal Disorders
- Infectious Diseases (including COVID-19)
- And many others among the 48 listed
(This list is a guide—not an exhaustive eligibility checklist. Effect on daily care needs is key.)
Why This Benefit Matters
- It delivers up to £441.60 per month for those needing both day and night support.
- Receipt can trigger additional support like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and more. One case achieved over £20,000 extra annually.
- Crucially, Attendance Allowance does not affect your State Pension—you can claim both simultaneously.
How to Claim Attendance Allowance
- You can apply online or request a paper form from GOV.UK. The form requires details like your National Insurance number, health condition effects, and GP info.
- If complete claims seem daunting, Citizens Advice and similar agencies offer free assistance.
- Terminal illness claims waive the 6-month rule and are fast-tracked with automatic higher-rate payments.
Attendance Allowance offers vital financial support—up to £110.40 weekly—to pensioners who need help due to long-term health conditions, including 48 common qualifying illnesses like arthritis, dementia, or heart disease.
Many eligible individuals remain unaware or deterred from applying, missing out on significant income and further assistance.
If you’re over State Pension age and living with one of these conditions—or need extra help in daily life—don’t wait. Apply today and secure care support and potential accompanying benefits.
FAQs
Yes—Attendance Allowance does not affect your State Pension. You can receive both independently.
The lower rate £73.90/week is for either day or night help; the higher rate £110.40/week is for both day and night care needs, or terminal illness.
The DWP list is a guide. Eligibility depends on your actual need for daily care or supervision, not just your diagnosis.