A list of 48 different health conditions means you could be eligible for £434 a month through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
By the end of February 2024, more than 1.6 million elderly individuals were receiving extra financial support through Attendance Allowance, as per recent data from the DWP. The Mirror reports that Attendance Allowance, which offers aid to those living with a disability, long-term illness, and various mental or physical health conditions, has a lower weekly rate of £72.65, with a higher rate of £108.55 available.
Beneficiaries of this benefit, which can provide up to £5,644.60 annually, usually receive payments every four weeks, amounting to either £290.60 or £434.20 depending on the rate. These funds can be used however the recipient wishes.
The amount received is dependent on the level of support required, with the benefit designed to help those of State Pension age manage daily living costs and maintain their independence at home. However, Gov.uk states that Attendance Allowance does not cover mobility needs.
The DWP categorises all health issues covered by the benefit as disabling conditions, with arthritis being the most commonly claimed, supporting 460,993 in Great Britain. Individuals can apply for Attendance Allowance if they have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night.
Eligibility does not require the presence of a carer, reports the Express.
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The Mirror has compiled a list of conditions from data recorded on the DWP’s Attendance Allowance computer system, but it’s important to note that this list is a guide rather than a checklist. If you require extra help during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability, or health condition, you should check the official eligibility guidance on the government website.
This could include assistance with personal care such as dressing, eating, bathing, getting in and out of bed, using the toilet, and staying safe. You can claim Attendance Allowance regardless of other income and savings as it isn’t means-tested.
It’s also tax-free and not subject to the Benefit Cap, ensuring no money is deducted from any other benefits you may be receiving, according to the outlet. If you’re receiving Attendance Allowance, you might also qualify for other financial support like Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction, and Council Tax Reduction.
It won’t affect your state pension, and you can claim it even if you’re working and earning money. If you’re thinking about claiming an Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you could receive more money by claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately.
Check official advice to see if this is possible.
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Those receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for care costs are not eligible for Attendance Allowance. Instead, DLA recipients typically have this support assessed by the DWP.
If you remain eligible, PIP or DLA can be renewed when the current award ends. If you’re not eligible to renew, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance.
Applicants for Attendance Allowance will need to complete a lengthy claim form, but help is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age. Instructions on how to get the application form by post or phone can be found on the GOV.
Full list of health conditions
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- Back Pain
- Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
- Trauma to Limbs
- Visual Disorders and Diseases
- Hearing Disorders
- Heart Disease
- Respiratory Disorders and Diseases
- Asthma
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Peripheral vascular Disease
- Epilepsy
- Neurological Diseases
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Motor Neurone Disease
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Metabolic Disease
- Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
- Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
- Learning Difficulties
- Psychosis
- Psychoneurosis
- Personality Disorder
- Dementia
- Behavioural Disorder
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse
- Hyperkinetic Syndrome
- Renal Disorders
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Bowel and Stomach Disease
- Blood Disorders
- Haemophilia
- Multi-System Disorders
- Multiple Allergy Syndrome
- Skin Disease
- Malignant Disease
- Severely Mentally impaired
- Double Amputee
- Deaf/Blind
- Haemodialysis
- Frailty
- Total Parenteral Nutrition
- AIDS
- Infectious diseases: Viral disease – Coronavirus covid-19