More than a million pensioners receive Attendance Allowance payments for at least 5 years

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveal that at the end of February 2025, more than 1.7 million elderly people were claiming additional financial support through Attendance Allowance.

The benefit delivers either £73.90 or £110.40 weekly and since it is usually disbursed every four weeks, this totals either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment period.

The amount of weekly payment an individual receives hinges on their required level of care. DWP guidance clarifies that if you require "frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night" you will obtain the lower rate of £73.90, whilst if you need "help or supervision throughout both day and night, or a medical professional has said you are nearing the end of life" you will secure the higher rate of £110.40.

The benefit is crafted to assist people of State Pension age in meeting the costs of extra daily living expenses resulting from their condition, whilst also enabling them to maintain independence in their own homes for extended periods.

The most recent statistics also reveal the proportion of claimants receiving Attendance Allowance by health condition. In total, some 563,746 (36%) of individuals claiming Attendance Allowance have been granted an award of five years or longer, reports the Daily Record.

Attendance Allowance is a benefit designed to assist individuals with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or mental or physical health conditions. The most common condition claimed for is arthritis, which supports 508,964 people across Great Britain.

According to data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), 47 per cent of those claiming Attendance Allowance for arthritis receive an award lasting five years or more.

The following figures represent the number of claimants per condition and the percentage receiving payments for five years or longer. It's important to note that people with lifelong, degenerative conditions that are unlikely to change will typically receive a longer award, while shorter awards are issued where an improvement is expected.

The length of Attendance Allowance awards

The figure below represents all claimants up until the end of February 2025.

• 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%
• Parkinson's - 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%
• Behavioral 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%

What exactly is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance assists 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. There is no requirement to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.

Who is eligible to claim?

You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and require help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night - even if you don't currently receive that help.

This might include:

• Assistance with personal care tasks such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet, as well as help to stay safe, are all reasons to apply for Attendance Allowance.
• If you struggle with personal tasks due to them being time-consuming, causing pain, or requiring physical assistance, you should also consider applying.

Attendance Allowance isn't solely for people with a physical disability; those with mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or sensory conditions (such as deafness or visual impairment) should also claim if they require help or supervision.

How much could I receive on Attendance Allowance?

You could be eligible for either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) per week.

The money can be spent however you wish and could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for longer.

This might include:

• Covering taxi fares.
• Contributing towards bills.
• Paying for a cleaner or gardener.

Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?

Yes. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so your other income or savings do not affect your eligibility - there's no limit. It is also tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, meaning it won't reduce any other benefits you receive.

Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?

No, it will not impact your State Pension and you can still claim it even if you're working and earning money.

How does Attendance Allowance impact other benefits?

Receiving Attendance Allowance may increase your other benefits, including:

• Additional Pension Credit.
• Reduction in Housing Benefit.
• Council Tax Reduction.

How can I apply?

You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age.

Complete details on how to obtain the application form by post or phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

What if I'm nearing State Pension age?

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

Who is ineligible for Attendance Allowance?

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 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 apply for Attendance Allowance instead. Discover more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.