Latest World Breaking News Online News Portal
New figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveal that nearly 1.7 million elderly people, are now receiving a boost from Attendance Allowance. The benefit, set at £73.90 or £110.40 weekly, assists those of State Pension age with extra living expenses but doesn’t address mobility.
Designed to aid people dealing with disabilities, chronic illnesses and mental or physical health problems, the scope of Attendance Allowance encompasses nearly 50 conditions. However, arthritis remains the most cited reason among beneficiaries, with 483,376 claimants supported across Great Britain, reports the Daily Record.
If you’re eyeing a new claim this month, be aware of the latest update: the newly launched online service can only handle a “limited number of applications each week”. Remember, an online application cannot be made via mobile phone or tablet; applying requires a desktop or laptop.
People can also apply for Attendance Allowance via post by either printing and sending the claim form available on GOV.UK, or by ringing the helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request one. The DWP has recently updated its guidance for those applying by post, reminding claimants not to “write anything except the Freepost address on the envelope” – they also clarified it does not require a postcode or a stamp.
A spokesperson for the DWP commented on the online application process: “We are temporarily testing a new online service to make claiming Attendance Allowance easier and to improve accessibility. While the online service is not yet widely available, no one will miss out on the benefit as claimants can still apply in the usual way by post.”
Attendance Allowance offers either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) weekly. As payments are made every four weeks, recipients will receive either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment cycle, amounting to around £5,740.80 during the 2025/26 fiscal year.
The sum someone receives is based on their required level of assistance, with the benefit designed to help those of State Pension age with daily living costs, thereby aiding them to maintain independence at home.
It’s crucial to understand that there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance.
This list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, but rather a guide to help people understand the types of conditions that 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 refer to the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.
10 most-claimed Attendance Allowance health conditions:
- Cerebrovascular Disease – 74,716
- Parkinson’s – 44,440 claimants
- Arthritis – 483,376 claimants
- Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints – 86,319
- Neurological Conditions – 35,597 claimants
- Respiratory Conditions – 104,098 claimants
- Dementia – 173,179 claimants
- Back Pain – 74,804
- Heart Disease – 124,528 claimants
- Visual Disorders and Diseases – 50,993
Here’s everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance, including the main health conditions being claimed, eligibility and how to make a claim.
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
Assistance with personal care tasks such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet is covered.
Help to ensure safety is also included.
You should apply if you struggle with personal tasks, for instance, if they take a long time, cause discomfort, or require physical support like leaning on a chair. 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 receive from Attendance Allowance?
You could be eligible for either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) per week. This equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 each pay period.
The money can be spent however you wish and it could help you maintain your independence at home for longer.
This might include:
- paying for taxis
- helping towards bills
- paying for a cleaner or gardener
How to apply
To apply for Attendance Allowance, you’ll need to fill out a lengthy claim form. It may seem intimidating at first, but assistance is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don’t let the form deter you from applying.
If you’d rather handle it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to complete your claim form here. Comprehensive information on how to obtain the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
