DWP provides extra support to pensioners with a number of health conditions
Millions of people on State Pension receive extra cash from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) due to their health. Attendance Allowance, and Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) in Scotland, are paid independently of the State Pension, offering additional financial support for older people with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition.
These benefits, which are not means-tested, are worth either £73.90 for the lower rate or £110.40 for the higher rate each week. As these benefits are typically paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment period.
Pensioners could boost their 2025/26 income by up to £5,740 to help with extra costs through either of these disability benefits. The full New State Pension is currently valued at £230.25 per week, which amounts to £921 every four weeks. Over the 2025/26 financial year, annual payments are worth £11,973, reports the Daily Record.
However, it’s crucial to note that not all of the 4.1 million people on the New State Pension receive the full amount as it is linked to National Insurance Contributions. The full Basic State Pension is now worth £176.45 per week, or £705.80 every four-week payment period. Over the 2025/26 financial year, annual payments are worth £9,175.40.
DWP Attendance Allowance
Scottish pensioners can no longer claim Attendance Allowance and must apply for Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) from Social Security Scotland. This benefit will supersede Attendance Allowance for all existing claimants with a Scottish postcode by the end of 2025. Find out more here.
The amount received for Attendance Allowance or PADP is dependent on the level of support required. The benefit is intended to assist people of State Pension age with daily living costs due to their condition, which can also help them maintain independence in their own home for a longer period. There is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance or PADP.
Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP
The conditions listed below are derived from information recorded on the DWP’s Attendance Allowance computer system. PADP also supports individuals with these conditions. This is not intended to be a checklist for claiming, but rather a guide to understanding what type of conditions are being supported.
If you require additional support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.
Main health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance or PADP:
- Back Pain
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- 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
- Parkinson’s 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
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’re not currently receiving that help. This could include help with personal care, like getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet.
If you struggle with personal tasks, such as those that take a long time, cause pain or require physical assistance like leaning on a chair, you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance. It’s not just for with physical disabilities or illnesses.
You should also apply if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have a mental health condition, learning difficulties, and/or a sensory condition – if you are deaf or visually impaired.
You could get £73.90 if you need help during the day or at night or £110.40 if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, meaning you could receive either £295.60 or £441.40 each 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 going towards bills, paying for a cleaner or gardener, and taxis.
Can I claim Attendance Allowance if I have other income?
Absolutely. Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested so it doesn’t matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings. It’s also tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap.
Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?
No, it won’t impact your State Pension and you can even claim it if you’re still working and earning money. As well as this, other benefits you get may increase if you get Attendance Allowance, and these include:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit Reduction
- Council Tax Reduction
You will need to complete a lengthy claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice, so don’t let the form deter you from applying.
If you’d prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here. Full details on how to make a claim for PADP through Social Security Scotland can be found here.
You won’t be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.