Pensioners across the UK with long-term health conditions may be entitled to financial assistance through Attendance Allowance—a government benefit designed to help cover the extra costs of care. With nearly 1.7 million claimants, the programme provides vital support to those over State Pension age facing physical, mental, or chronic conditions that require assistance in daily living.
The two-tier system offers payments ranging from £73.90 to £110.40 per week, depending on the level of care needed. This tax-free benefit is not means-tested, making it accessible regardless of income or savings. Yet, as the number of claimants continues to grow, many eligible pensioners may still be unaware of their right to claim, missing out on valuable support.
The Key Features of Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance helps people who need additional care due to a disability, illness, or long-term health condition. It is paid to individuals over State Pension age, regardless of whether they have a caregiver in place. According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the allowance is not means-tested, which means pensioners can claim it regardless of their financial situation.
The benefit comes in two different rates: £73.90 per week for those who need help during the day or at night, and £110.40 per week for those who require more comprehensive care throughout both. Payments are typically made every four weeks, and eligible claimants could receive up to £5,740.80 annually. The number of pensioners benefiting from this programme is significant. As of August 2024, there were nearly 1.7 million claimants across the UK.
Of this group, 1.25 million people (or 75%) are supported due to common conditions such as arthritis, dementia, heart disease, and respiratory conditions. Importantly, claimants do not need to have someone actively caring for them to qualify.
Common Conditions that Qualify for Financial Support
According to DWP figures, arthritis is the most prevalent condition among Attendance Allowance claimants, with over 483,000 pensioners receiving support due to this condition. Other commonly claimed conditions include dementia (173,179 claimants), heart disease (124,528 claimants), and respiratory issues (104,098 claimants).
These conditions, which often require ongoing assistance, highlight the growing need for financial support among older people. While the benefit supports a wide range of physical and mental health issues, it does not cover mobility needs.
However, for pensioners struggling with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (44,440 claimants), neurological disorders (35,597 claimants), and back pain (74,804 claimants), the financial assistance can make a critical difference in maintaining their quality of life.
