The money is awarded to people who require care or supervision due to a disability, health issue or mental health problems
People of state pension age with poor eyesight could be due up to £441 each month from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Attendance Allowance is worth up to £441 every four weeks and is awarded to people over state pension age who require care or supervision due to a disability, health issue or mental health problems.
You could also be eligible if need extra help with everyday tasks. But crucially, you do not actually need to have someone caring for you in order to claim Attendance Allowance – the money can used on things that keep you independent or help you around the house.
For example, it could be used to pay for a cleaner, gardener or taxis. You may qualify for Attendance Allowance if your condition means you have needed help for at least six months.
The latest DWP figures show that in August 2024 there were 50,993 people receiving Attendance Allowance for a “visual disorder or disease”.
Attendance Allowance is worth £73.90 a week if you need help or supervision during the day, or supervision at night, or £110.40 a week if you need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or if you’re nearing the end of your life.
It is paid every four weeks, which means you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period. Attendance Allowance is not a means-tested benefit there is no limit on how much money you can have in savings.
It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the benefit cap. If you claim other benefits, these might increase if you get Attendance Allowance.
You won’t be able to Attendance Allowance if you already get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Attendance Allowance has been replaced in Scotland with Pension Age Disability Payment.
Attendance Allowance – how to claim
You can claim Attendance Allowance by either printing off and sending the Attendance Allowance claim form to: Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance. You can also call the Attendance Allowance helpline to request a claim form using the following numbers:
- Telephone: 0800 731 0122
- Textphone: 0800 731 0317
- Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0122
- British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service
When filling out the form, you’ll need to explain how your illness or disability affects your life. You’ll also need to provide supporting information, such as GP letters, your care plans, or prescription lists.
Some people are asked to attend an assessment before being awarded Attendance Allowance. If you’re terminally ill, you can make a claim straight away and you’ll be awarded the higher rate.