Number of older people claiming Attendance Allowance shoots up by 46,000 in three-month period
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that nearly 1.6 million older people were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance at the end of November 2023. This marks a significant increase of 46,098 claimants from the previous quarter ending in August 2023.
Attendance Allowance provides either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week to those eligible. Paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 per pay period - totalling £5,644.60 over the 2024/25 financial year.
The amount received depends on the level of support needed. The benefit is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses, aiding them in maintaining independence in their own homes. It's crucial to note that there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance.
This benefit supports individuals with disabilities, long-term illnesses, and mental or physical health issues. The list of conditions supported by Attendance Allowance is extensive, but arthritis is the most common disabling condition, providing support for 449,077 people across Great Britain, including 41,055 in Scotland.
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 - November 2023
Scotland - 140,716
England - 1,321,779
Wales - 103,653
Living abroad - 5,323
Total - 1,571,519
Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance
The conditions listed below are sourced from information recorded on the DWP’s Attendance Allowance computer system.
It’s 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.
Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain
Diabetes Mellitus
Malignant Disease
Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19
Parkinsons Disease
Learning Difficulties
Metabolic Disease
Haemophilia
Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
Deaf/Blind
Total Parenteral Nutrition
Cerebrovascular Disease
Heart Disease
Chronic Pain Syndromes
Dementia
Behavioural Disorder
Skin Disease
AIDS
Asthma
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Back Pain
Psychoneurosis
Blood Disorders
Peripheral vascular Disease
Personality Disorder
Severely Mentally impaired
Visual Disorders and Diseases
Haemodialysis
Psychosis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Neurological Diseases
Frailty
Epilepsy
Multiple Allergy Syndrome
Trauma to Limbs
Spondylosis
Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
Hyperkinetic Syndrome
Double Amputee
Multi System Disorders
Arthritis
Renal Disorders
Hearing Disorders
Cystic Fibrosis
Bowel and Stomach Disease
Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
Motor Neurone Disease
Respiratory Disorders and Diseases
Multiple Sclerosis
Attendance Allowance is also supporting 44,894 people with a terminal illness.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance helps 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
You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn’t just for people 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 do I make a claim?
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 your nearest Citizens Advice, so don't let the form put you off applying.
If you'd prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?
If you are thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) straight away - you may be able to get more money.
Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?
You won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.