Yahoo News DWP share 10 most common conditions that could see people get £434 extra a month
Anyone living with a disability or long-term illness could qualify for extra help every month from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which is worth an extra £434 every single month - but many do not even know they qualify.
Attendance Allowance is a benefit paid by the DWP to a million and a half people every year, providing extra money to help claimants with the cost of living and pay for the support they might need to help with their health condition or disability. However, it is thought that up to a million eligible people are not claiming the benefit, missing out on a top-up worth around £5600 a year.
The benefit is paid out to anyone facing extra costs due to their ailment or disability, though it does not cover mobility needs. For example, any person who needs help or supervision during the day or night could qualify, even if they do not receive care - this can include common issues, from arthritis to visual impairment.
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Additional money to help with care costs is paid out at two rates, with a higher rate for those with extra needs. This money, which was designed to keep people independent and in their own homes for longer, is paid out at either £72.65 per week, or £108.55.
These payments land in bank accounts every four weeks. Claimants are awarded the higher rate if they need help or supervision both day and night, or if a medical professional has given them 12 months or less to live.
Attendance Allowance supports 1.5 million people every year. Of that total, 1,127,242 live with at least one of the 10 conditions listed below, according to DWP data.
Arthritis | 435,340 |
Dementia | 158,038 |
Heart Disease | 110,666 |
Respiratory Conditions | 91,476 |
Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints | 76,133 |
Cerebrovascular Disease | 70,213 |
Back Pain | 66,304 |
Visual Disorders and Diseases | 47,333 |
Parkinson’s | 40,124 |
Neurological Conditions | 31,615 |
It is important to note this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. However, if you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.
