The DWP has shared that almost 1.7 million older people in the UK were claiming Attendance Allowance (August 2024) – and it’s not means-tested, certain health conditions determine their eligibility
Millions of UK pensioners could be in line for a financial boost of up to £5,740.80 per year.
Elderly people with certain health conditions may be eligible for the Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP has revealed that nearly 1.7 million older Brits were claiming Attendance Allowance as of the end of August 2024.
This non-means-tested, tax-free benefit offers either £73.90 at the lower rate or £110.40 at the higher rate each week. As highlighted by the Daily Record, Attendance Allowance is typically paid every four weeks, equating to either £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period – a total of roughly £5,740.80 over the current fiscal year.
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The amount received depends on the level of support needed, with the benefit designed to help those of State Pension age with daily living costs, thus enabling them to maintain their independence at home for longer.
It’s worth noting that there is no mobility component linked with Attendance Allowance. In terms of helping people with health conditions, the benefit supports those with disabilities, long-term illnesses, and mental or physical health issues.
Attendance Allowance covers a wide range of conditions, with arthritis being the most common disabling condition – a term used by the DWP – providing support for 483,376 people across Great Britain.
It’s crucial to remember that this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, but rather it serves to help people understand what types of conditions are being supported, reports the Manchester Evening News.
If you require additional support throughout the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, it’s worth checking the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.
The following figures show the percentage of people claiming for health issues related to these 48 conditions:
- Arthritis – 47%
- Spondylosis – 48%
- Back Pain – Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified – 43%
- Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints – 40%
- Trauma to Limbs – 36%
- Visual Disorders and Diseases – 41%
- Hearing Disorders – 42%
- Heart Disease – 50%
- Respiratory Disorders and Diseases – 33%
- Asthma – 47%
- Cystic Fibrosis – 27%
- Cerebrovascular Disease – 42%
- Peripheral vascular Disease – 41%
- Epilepsy – 44%
- Neurological Diseases – 50%
- Multiple Sclerosis – 52%
- Parkinsons – 30%
- Motor Neurone Disease – 32%
- Chronic Pain Syndromes – 39%
- Diabetes Mellitus – 39%
- Metabolic Disease – 38%
- Traumatic Paraplegia – 54%
- Major Trauma Other than Traumatic/Paraplegia – 45%
- Learning Difficulties – 48%
- Psychosis – 44%
- Psychoneurosis – 38%
- Personality Disorder – 48%
- Dementia – 20%
- Behavioural Disorder – 28%
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse – 37%
- Hyperkinetic Syndrome – 27%
- Renal Disorders – 26%
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease – 42%
- Bowel and Stomach Disease – 37%
- Blood Disorders – 39%
- Haemophilia – 39%
- Multi System Disorders – 41%
- Multiple Allergy Syndrome – 44%
- Skin Disease – 37%
- Malignant Disease – 35%
- Haemodialysis – 22%
- Frailty – 100%
- AIDS – 47%
- Coronavirus covid-19 – 1%
- Viral disease – precise diagnosis not specified – 13%
- Tuberculosis – 53%
- Bacterial disease – precise diagnosis not specified – 43%
- Cognitive disorder (other) – 22%
It’s important to note that there are special rules for people with a terminal illness to speed up their application – full details can be found on GOV.UK.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a benefit made to help with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that it hinders your ability to care for yourself – it does not cover mobility needs. It’s vital to understand that having someone caring for you is not a requirement for making a claim.
Who is eligible?
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, you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance.
This could include:
Assistance with personal care – such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet
Help to ensure your safety
If you’re struggling with personal tasks, such as those that take a long time, cause discomfort, or require physical support like a chair to lean on, you might want to consider applying for Attendance Allowance. It’s not just for individuals with a physical disability or illness.
You should also apply 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 get from Attendance Allowance?
You could be entitled to either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week. This equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period.
The money can be spent however you wish and it could help you maintain your independence in your own home for longer.
This might include:
- Covering taxi fares
- Contributing towards bills
- Paying for a cleaner or gardener
How do I make a claim?
To apply for Attendance Allowance, you’ll need to fill out a lengthy claim form. It may seem daunting at first, but don’t let the form put you off applying – help is available from your local Citizens Advice.
If you’d prefer to handle it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to complete your claim form here. Comprehensive instructions on how to obtain the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Changes to Attendance Allowance in Scotland
Elderly Scots are no longer eligible to claim Attendance Allowance and must instead apply for the new devolved benefit, Pension Age Disability Payment. Recent statistics from Social Security Scotland reveal that nearly 1,875 individuals aged 66 and over were receiving Pension Age Disability Payments at the end of April.
The benefit adheres to the same eligibility criteria and payment award scale as DWP, but is managed and delivered by Social Security Scotland. Comprehensive details on the benefit can be found on MYGOV.SCOT here.