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The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that nearly 1.7 million elderly individuals were claiming Attendance Allowance as of the end of August 2024.
This tax-free benefit, which is not means-tested, is valued at either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) per week during the 2025/26 financial year. Typically paid every four weeks, this equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period - adding up to around £5,740.80 over the course of the 2025/26 financial year.
The amount received depends on the level of support needed, and the benefit is designed to help those of State Pension age with daily living costs, potentially allowing them to maintain their independence at home for a longer duration. It's important to note that there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance.
Support for those with health conditions
The benefit assists individuals with a disability, chronic illness, and mental or physical health issues. The list of conditions supported through Attendance Allowance is extensive, but arthritis is the most common disabling condition - a term used by the DWP - providing support for 483,376 people across the UK, reports the Manchester Evening News.
It's vital to understand that this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, but rather a guide to help people understand the types of conditions being supported. However, if you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.
The statistics below show the percentage of people claiming for health issues related to these 48 conditions:
Hearing Disorders - 42% Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints - 40% Trauma to Limbs - 36% Multiple Sclerosis - 52% Learning Difficulties - 48% Respiratory Disorders and Diseases - 33% AIDS - 47% Inflammatory Bowel Disease - 42% Haemodialysis - 22% Behavioral Disorder - 28% Malignant Disease - 35% Psychosis - 44% Viral disease - precise diagnosis not specified - 13% Heart Disease - 50% Frailty - 100% Bowel and Stomach Disease - 37% Spondylosis - 48% Asthma - 47% Psychoneurosis - 38% Cerebrovascular Disease - 42% Skin Disease - 37% Haemophilia - 39% Arthritis - 47% Tuberculosis - 53% Chronic Pain Syndromes - 39% Major Trauma Other than Traumatic/Paraplegia - 45% Dementia - 20% Epilepsy - 44% Cystic Fibrosis - 27% Multi System Disorders - 41% Renal Disorders - 26% Blood Disorders - 39% Peripheral vascular Disease - 41% Motor Neurone Disease - 32% Neurological Diseases - 50% Metabolic Disease - 38% Cognitive disorder (other) - 22% Diabetes Mellitus - 39% Back Pain - Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified - 43% Multiple Allergy Syndrome - 44% Traumatic Paraplegia - 54% Hyperkinetic Syndrome - 27% Alcohol and Drug Abuse - 37% Bacterial disease - precise diagnosis not specified - 43% Visual Disorders and Diseases - 41% Personality Disorder - 48% Coronavirus covid-19 - 1% Parkinsons - 30%
It's important to note that there are special rules in place for individuals with a terminal illness to speed up their application - full details can be found on GOV.UK here.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance helps with additional costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that it makes self-care difficult - it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.
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 - you should apply for Attendance Allowance. This could include needing help with personal care, such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet.
It also covers help needed to stay safe.
You should also contemplate applying if you find personal tasks challenging, for example, if they take a considerable amount of time, cause discomfort, or if you require physical support, such as a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn't exclusively for individuals with a physical disability or illness.
You should also lodge a claim if you need assistance or supervision throughout the day or night and have a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or a sensory condition - like being deaf or visually impaired.
How much could I receive on Attendance Allowance?
You might be eligible for either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week. This translates to either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period.
The money can be spent however you wish and it could assist you in maintaining your independence in your own home for longer. This could include paying for taxis, contributing towards bills, or hiring a cleaner or gardener.
How to make a claim for Attendance Allowance?
You'll need to fill out a lengthy claim form when applying for Attendance Allowance. It may seem intimidating at first, but assistance is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don't let the form deter you from applying.
If you'd rather do it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill out your claim form here. Full details of how to obtain the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.