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Older people across Britain may be missing out on extra support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if they have a medical condition. Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit that is also not means-tested, with payments at either £73.90 or £110.40 per week.

The most recent figures reveal almost 1.7 million older people were claiming Attendance Allowance in 2024. Typically paid every four weeks, this equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period, a total of around £5,740.80 over the current financial year.

The amount received depends on the level of support required, with the benefit designed to assist those of State Pension age with daily living expenses, so that they can maintain independence in their own homes for longer. There is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance.

In Scotland, elderly residents can no longer claim Attendance Allowance and must instead apply for the new devolved benefit, Pension Age Disability Payment. According to recent figures from Social Security Scotland, approximately 1,875 people over the age of 66 were receiving Pension Age Disability Payments as of the end of April, reports the Daily Record.

This benefit follows the same eligibility criteria and payment award scale as the DWP, but is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland.

The range of conditions supported through Attendance Allowance is extensive, but the most prevalent disabling condition - a term used by the DWP - is arthritis, which provides support for 483,376 people across the UK.

Other commonly-claimed for conditions include spondylosis, back pain, limb trauma, visual diseases and disorders, heart disease, respiratory disorders and diseases, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and diseases of the muscles, bones or joints. Many older people also claim for cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular Disease, epilepsy, neurological diseases, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, diabetes mellitus, dementia, personality disorders, and mental health conditions, among others.

There are different rules for anyone with a terminal illness, to help speed up applications. Full details can be found on GOV.UK here.

Who is eligible for Attendance Allownce?

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. The help you need could include assistance with personal care - such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet.

You should also consider applying if you struggle with personal tasks, for instance, if they are time-consuming, cause discomfort, or if you require physical support, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn't exclusively for individuals with a physical disability or illness.

You should also make a claim 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 be entitled to either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week. This equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period.

The money can be spent as you see fit and could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for a longer period. This might include covering taxi fares, employing a cleaner or gardener, or help with bills.

You can apply for Attendance Allowance if you have savings or other income as the benefit isn't means-tested. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have deductions from any other benefits.

Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?

No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still employed and earning money. Your other benefits might increase if you receive Attendance Allowance, these include Pension Credit, Council Tax Reduction, and Housing Benefit Reduction.

To make a claim you will need to fill out a lengthy claim form. It might 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 prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to complete 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.

If you're considering applying for Attendance Allowance upon reaching State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately - you could potentially receive more money.

You won't qualify for Attendance Allowance if you're already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs. If you attempt to apply for Attendance Allowance while receiving DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award instead.

You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance.

More information about Attendance Allowance can be found here

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