Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) indicates that over 1.7 million people of State Pension age currently receive Attendance Allowance. This weekly benefit is designed to assist older adults with disabilities or long-term illnesses in covering daily living costs. Payments are either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, depending on care needs. Attendance Allowance does not include mobility support.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free payment intended for individuals who require assistance or supervision due to physical or mental health conditions. The benefit helps with personal care, safety, and daily routines. Claimants do not need to have a carer in place to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you:
- Need assistance or supervision during the day or at specific night hours
- Require help with bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or getting in and out of bed
- Have a long-term illness, disability, learning difficulty, mental health condition, or sensory impairment such as vision or hearing loss
Payment Rates and Frequenc
Attendance Allowance is paid at two weekly rates:
- Lower rate (£73.90/week): For frequent daytime help or night supervision
- Higher rate (£110.40/week): For help both day and night, or for those medically assessed as having less than 12 months to live
Payments are issued every four weeks, totaling 13 payments per year. Funds can be used freely for:
- Taxi fares or transport costs
- Household bills and expenses
- Paying for cleaners, gardeners, or personal assistance
Health Conditions Covered
The DWP recognizes over 45 health conditions for Attendance Allowance. Some of the most common include:
- Arthritis – 508,964 recipients
- Dementia – 176,864 recipients
- Heart disease – 129,143 recipients
- Respiratory issues – 109,287 recipients
- Back and musculoskeletal pain – 90,910 recipients
- Stroke and cerebrovascular disease – 76,289 recipients
- Visual disorders – 52,190 recipients
- Parkinson’s – 45,779 recipients
- Neurological conditions – 37,838 recipients
Any long-term condition that significantly affects daily living may be eligible.
Attendance Allowance in Scotland
In Scotland, new Attendance Allowance claims have been replaced by the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), which provides equivalent support. PADP covers over 135,500 Scottish recipients and is managed by Social Security Scotland.
Interaction With Other Benefits
Receiving Attendance Allowance can increase eligibility or payment amounts for:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
It does not affect the State Pension and is not means-tested, so income or savings do not prevent eligibility.
How to Apply
Applications require completing a long claim form, available through GOV.UK or Citizens Advice. Assistance is available online, by email, webchat, or in-person.
- Scottish applicants should use PADP
- Individuals already receiving PIP or DLA may require reassessment
- Those nearing State Pension age may explore PIP or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) for potentially higher support
Key Points About Attendance Allowance
- Over 1.7 million recipients currently receive it
- Supports daily living needs, not mobility
- Tax-free, 13 payments annually
- Two weekly rates: £73.90 or £110.40
- Requires significant care or supervision needs
- Helps maintain financial independence at home
Conclusion
Attendance Allowance is a vital financial support for UK pensioners and older adults with disabilities or chronic conditions. By helping with essential daily tasks, it promotes independence and quality of life. Understanding eligibility, how to apply, and which conditions qualify ensures beneficiaries can access the full benefits of this government scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can I claim Attendance Allowance if I already receive PIP or DLA?
Recipients of PIP or DLA may need reassessment, and simultaneous claims are not allowed.
2) Does receiving Attendance Allowance reduce my State Pension?
No. Attendance Allowance does not affect your pension and may increase other benefits like Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.
3) How do I know if I qualify?
Eligibility depends on the level of help or supervision required due to physical or mental health conditions. Guidance is available on GOV.UK.