New figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show at the end of February 2024, over 1.6 million older people were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance
New data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that by the end of February 2024, over 1.6 million elderly individuals were receiving extra financial aid through Attendance Allowance.
Attendance Allowance is valued at either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) per week. As this benefit is typically paid every four weeks, that equates to either £290.60 or £434.20, or up to £5,644.60 a year. The amount someone receives depends on the level of support required. The benefit is designed to assist people of State Pension age with daily living costs, which can also help them maintain their independence in their own home for longer. It’s crucial to note that there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance.
Attendance Allowance aids individuals with a disability, long-term illness, and mental or physical health conditions and more than 40 conditions are supported through the benefit. The most commonly claimed disabling condition – a term used by the DWP – is arthritis, providing support for 460,993 people across Great Britain. Here’s everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance, including the main health conditions being claimed, eligibility, and how to make a claim.
Number of Attendance Allowance claimants – February 2024
- England – 1,352,651
-
Scotland – 143,724
- Wales – 106,096
- Living abroad – 5,615
- Total – 1,608,134
Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance
The following conditions are sourced from data recorded on the DWP’s Attendance Allowance computer system. This list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, but rather a guide to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. If you require additional assistance during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK.
Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- Back Pain
- 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
- Parkinsons 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
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance assists with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself – it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.
Who can claim?
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 don’t currently get that help.
This might include:
- Help with your personal care – for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
- Help to stay safe.
If you struggle with personal tasks, such as those outlined and it takes a long time, causes pain or requires physical assistance like leaning on a chair, you should apply. Attendance Allowance isn’t solely for individuals with a physical disability or illness.
You should also claim 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 on Attendance Allowance?
You could receive either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week. This amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 every 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:
- paying for taxis
- helping towards bills
- paying for a cleaner or gardener
Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?
Yes. 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 either – there’s no limit. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap, so you won’t have money taken away from any other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance affect 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.
How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
If you’re eligible for Attendance Allowance, you might also be eligible for other benefits, such as Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction, and Council Tax Reduction.
How to claim?
You’ll need to fill out a lengthy claim form when applying for Attendance Allowance. It may seem overwhelming at first, but assistance is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age.
Full instructions on how to obtain the application form by post or phone can be found on the GOV. UK.
What if you’re nearing State Pension age?
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.
Who’s not eligible for Attendance Allowance?
If you’re already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs, you won’t be eligible for Attendance Allowance. 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 ends, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance. For more information about Attendance Allowance, visit the GOV. UK.
