The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is providing vital financial support to older Britons living with serious health conditions. Through Attendance Allowance, individuals over the state pension age can receive annual payments of up to £5,740 to help with the extra costs of their care needs.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit designed for people who have reached state pension age—currently 66—and have a physical or mental disability or illness that is severe enough to require help with personal care or supervision. It is not means-tested, so your income and savings do not affect your eligibility.
The benefit is paid at two different weekly rates. The lower rate is £73.90 per week for those who need help during the day or night. The higher rate is £110.40 per week for those who need help both day and night, or who are terminally ill. Over a full year, the higher rate adds up to the substantial sum of £5,740.80.
Who is Currently Claiming?
Official figures from the DWP reveal that this support is already making a significant difference across the country. A substantial 1.7 million pensioners are currently receiving Attendance Allowance, highlighting the widespread need for this financial assistance among the elderly population with care requirements.
The Full List of 48 Qualifying Conditions
The DWP assesses the need for care, rather than the specific condition itself. However, applications are commonly linked to a wide range of illnesses and disabilities. The comprehensive list of 48 health conditions includes:
- AIDS
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Back Pain
- Bacterial disease
- Behavioral Disorder
- Blood Disorders
- Bowel and Stomach Disease
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Cognitive disorder
- Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Dementia
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
- Epilepsy
- Frailty
- Haemodialysis
- Haemophilia
- Hearing Disorders
- Heart Disease
- Hyperkinetic Syndrome
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Learning Difficulties
- Malignant Disease
- Metabolic Disease
- Motor Neurone Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neurological Diseases
- Parkinson's
- Peripheral Vascular Disease
- Personality Disorder
- Renal Disorders
- Respiratory Disorders
- Skin Disease
- Traumatic Paraplegia
- Tuberculosis
- Visual Disorders
This list is not exhaustive, and any condition that results in a significant care need could potentially qualify you for the benefit.
Taking the Next Step
If you or someone you know is over 66 and has a health condition that requires regular care, it is crucial to investigate a claim for Attendance Allowance. This payment can provide essential financial support to maintain independence and manage the additional costs associated with a long-term illness or disability. The application process involves detailing how your condition affects your daily life, focusing on the care you need rather than the diagnosis alone.
