DWP Attendance Allowance claimants who are most likely to receive 'five years or more'

The most recent figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveal that at the end of February 2025, more than 1.7 million elderly people were receiving extra financial assistance through Attendance Allowance.

The benefit delivers either £73.90 or £110.40 each week and as it is usually paid every four weeks, this totals either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment period.

The amount of weekly payment a person receives depends on their level of care requirements.

DWP guidance clarifies that if you require "frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night" you will get the lower rate of £73.90 and if you need "help or supervision throughout both day and night, or a medical professional has said you're nearing the end of life" you will get the higher rate of £110.40.

The benefit is intended to assist people of State Pension age in covering the costs of extra daily living expenses resulting from their condition, whilst also helping them maintain independence in their own home for longer, reports the Daily Record.

The newest statistics also reveal the proportion of claimants receiving Attendance Allowance by health condition. In total, approximately 563,746 (36%) of people claiming Attendance Allowance have been granted an award of five years or more. Attendance Allowance is a benefit designed to assist people with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or mental or physical health conditions.

The most common condition claimed for is arthritis, which supports 508,964 people across Great Britain. According to DWP data, approximately 47 per cent of people claiming Attendance Allowance for arthritis receive an award lasting five years or more.

The following figures represent the number of claimants per condition and the percentage receiving payments for five years or longer. It's important to note that those with lifelong, degenerative conditions that are unlikely to change will typically receive a longer award, while shorter awards are issued where an improvement is anticipated.

The length of Attendance Allowance awards

The figure below represents all claimants up until the end of February 2025.

• Arthritis - 47%
• Spondylosis - 48%
• Back Pain - Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified - 43%
• Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints - 40%
• Trauma to Limbs - 36%
• Visual Disorders and Diseases - 41%
• Hearing Disorders - 42%
• Heart Disease - 50%
• Respiratory Disorders and Diseases - 33%
• Asthma - 47%
• Cystic Fibrosis - 27%
• Cerebrovascular Disease - 42%
• Peripheral vascular Disease - 41%
• Epilepsy - 44%
• Neurological Diseases - 50%
• Multiple Sclerosis - 52%
• Parkinsons - 30%
• Motor Neurone Disease - 32%
• Chronic Pain Syndromes - 39%
• Diabetes Mellitus - 39%
• Metabolic Disease - 38%
• Traumatic Paraplegia - 54%
• Major Trauma Other than Traumatic/Paraplegia - 45%
• Learning Difficulties - 48%
• Psychosis - 44%
• Psychoneurosis - 38%
• Personality Disorder - 48%
• Dementia - 20%
• Behavioral Disorder - 28%
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse - 37%
• Hyperkinetic Syndrome - 27%
• Renal Disorders - 26%
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease - 42%
• Bowel and Stomach Disease - 37%
• Blood Disorders - 39%
• Haemophilia - 39%
• Multi System Disorders - 41%
• Multiple Allergy Syndrome - 44%
• Skin Disease - 37%
• Malignant Disease - 35%
• Haemodialysis - 22%
• Frailty - 100%
• AIDS - 47%
• Coronavirus covid-19 - 1%
• Viral disease - precise diagnosis not specified - 13%
• Tuberculosis - 53%
• Bacterial disease - precise diagnosis not specified - 43%
• Cognitive disorder (other) - 22%

What exactly is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a benefit that helps cover additional costs if you have a severe physical or mental disability or illness that makes self-care difficult - it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.

Who is eligible to claim?

You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and require help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night - even if you don't currently receive 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 consider applying if you struggle with personal tasks, for instance, if they take a long time, cause pain, or require physical assistance, like needing a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn't solely for people with a physical disability or illness.

You should also apply if you require help or supervision throughout the day or night due to:

• a mental health condition
• learning difficulties
• a sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired

How much could I potentially receive from Attendance Allowance?

You could be eligible for either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week.

The money can be spent however you wish and it could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for longer.

This might include:

• paying for taxis.
• contributing towards bills.
• hiring a cleaner or gardener.

Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?

Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so your other income or the amount you have in savings doesn't matter - there's no limit. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap, meaning you won't have money deducted from any other benefits.

Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?

No, it won't impact your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still employed and earning money.

How does Attendance Allowance impact other benefits?

Receiving Attendance Allowance may lead to an increase in your other benefits, such as:

• Additional Pension Credit.
• Decreased Housing Benefit.
• Council Tax Reduction.

How can I apply?

To apply for Attendance Allowance, you'll need to fill out a lengthy claim form. While it might seem overwhelming initially, assistance is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age. Comprehensive instructions on how to obtain the application form by post or phone are available on the GOV.UK website here.

What if I'm nearing State Pension age?

If you're considering applying for Attendance Allowance as you approach State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately - you could potentially receive more money.

Who is ineligible for Attendance Allowance?

You won't qualify for Attendance Allowance if you're already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while receiving DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award.

As long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, you can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance. Discover more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.