The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that 1,698,513 older people across Great Britain were receiving Attendance Allowance in August 2024. This tax-free, non-means-tested benefit is designed for individuals of State Pension age who require assistance with everyday activities because of a disability, long-term illness, or mental or physical health condition.
According to DevonLive, the allowance is paid at two rates and is intended to help people maintain independence at home. The DWP states that payments are usually made every four weeks, providing either lower or higher rates depending on the level of support needed.
Payment Rates and Schedule
Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates, determined by the level of care or supervision a person needs during the day or night. These rates are set by the DWP and are reviewed annually to reflect changes in support requirements and living costs:
- £73.90 per week (lower rate)
- £110.40 per week (higher rate)
Payments are usually made every four weeks, totalling £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period. Over the course of a year, this equals up to £5,740.80 for those on the higher rate. The DWP notes that the allowance can be spent on any personal need, such as hiring help at home, paying for transport, or contributing to household bills. There is no mobility component included in this benefit.
Eligibility Criteria
The DWP stresses that eligibility depends on the level of support or supervision needed — not on income or savings. The benefit is not limited to those with physical disabilities; people with mental health conditions or long-term illnesses may also qualify. Applicants should consider applying if they:
- Need assistance with personal care (e.g., getting dressed)
- Require supervision to remain safe during the day or night
- Take longer to complete personal tasks or experience pain while doing them
- Need physical support such as leaning on furniture or equipment
The allowance is intended to help people maintain independence in their own homes for longer.
Health Conditions Covered
While there is no official checklist for eligibility, the DWP has released data showing the most common conditions among claimants. These percentages reflect the share of Attendance Allowance recipients with each condition:
| Condition | % of recipients | Additional info |
|---|---|---|
| Arthritis | 47% | 483,376 people |
| Frailty | 100% | |
| Traumatic paraplegia | 54% | |
| Tuberculosis | 53% | |
| Multiple sclerosis | 52% | |
| Heart disease | 50% | |
| Neurological diseases | 50% | |
| Spondylosis | 48% | |
| Personality disorder | 48% | |
| Asthma | 47% | |
| AIDS | 47% | |
| Psychosis | 44% | |
| Multiple allergy syndrome | 44% | |
| Epilepsy | 44% | |
| Back pain (unspecified) | 43% | |
| Bacterial disease (unspecified) | 43% | |
| Peripheral vascular disease | 41% | |
| Multi system disorders | 41% | |
| Visual disorders/diseases | 41% | |
| Disease of muscles, bones or joints | 40% | |
| Chronic pain syndromes | 39% | |
| Diabetes mellitus | 39% | |
| Haemophilia | 39% | |
| Blood disorders | 39% | |
| Psychoneurosis | 38% | |
| Metabolic disease | 38% | |
| Alcohol and drug abuse | 37% | |
| Skin disease | 37% | |
| Bowel and stomach disease | 37% | |
| Trauma to limbs | 36% | |
| Malignant disease | 35% | |
| Respiratory disorders/diseases | 33% | |
| Motor neurone disease | 32% | |
| Hyperkinetic syndrome | 27% | |
| Renal disorders | 26% | |
| Haemodialysis | 22% | |
| Cognitive disorder (other) | 22% | |
| Dementia | 20% | |
| Viral disease (unspecified) | 13% | |
| Coronavirus covid-19 | 1% |
How to Apply
Applying for Attendance Allowance involves completing a detailed claim form that the DWP acknowledges may appear long and intimidating. Support is available from Citizens Advice, which provides step-by-step guidance on filling out the form. Forms can be requested by post or over the phone. Special rules allow for a fast-tracked application process for those diagnosed with a terminal illness.
The DWP advises that anyone who requires help or supervision during the day or night — even if they are not currently receiving it — should review the official GOV.UK eligibility guidance and consider making a claim.
