Top health conditions that can secure five years of extra DWP payments

Some health conditions could entitle you to extra money in benefits. Fresh Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures show that by the end of August 2024, nearly 1.7 million pensioners were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance.

The benefit provides either £73.90 or £110.40 each week, and as payments are typically issued every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment period. The weekly sum someone receives depends on their level of care requirements, the Daily Record reports.

Based on DWP guidelines, people needing "frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night" are eligible for the lower rate of £73.90. Those requiring "help or supervision throughout both day and night", or where a medical professional has said you're nearing the end of life can claim the higher rate of £110.40.

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The benefit is designed to help State Pension age people cover extra daily living expenses caused by their condition, while also allowing them to remain independent in their own homes for longer. The latest figures also show the breakdown of claimants receiving Attendance Allowance by medical condition.

In total, around 563,746 (36%) of those claiming Attendance Allowance have been awarded the benefit for five years or more. Attendance Allowance is a lifeline for individuals grappling with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or mental or physical health conditions.

The most common condition claimed for is arthritis, supporting a whopping 483,376 people across Great Britain, including 44,455 in Scotland. DWP data reveals that nearly half (47%) of those claiming Attendance Allowance for arthritis receive an award that lasts five years or more.

The following statistics show the number of claimants per condition and the percentage receiving payments for five years or longer. It's worth noting that those with lifelong, degenerative conditions that are unlikely to improve typically receive a longer award, while shorter awards are given where an improvement is expected.

The figure below represents all claimants up until the end of August 2024.

Attendance Allowance award length

The figure below represents all claimants up until the end of August 2024.

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

What exactly is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance assists with additional costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that it 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?

If you have a disability or illness and require help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night - even if you're not currently receiving that help - you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance. This may include needing help with your personal care, such as getting dressed, as well as help to stay sage.

You should also apply if you struggle with personal tasks - for instance, if they take you a long time, cause you pain, or if you need physical support, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn't solely for people with a physical disability or illness.

How much you could get on Attendance Allowance

You could be entitled to either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week. This equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period

The money can be spent however you wish and could aid in maintaining your independence in your own home for a longer duration. This could include covering the cost of a taxi, employing a cleaner, or putting money towards your bills.

How to submit a claim?

You'll need to fill out a lengthy claim form when applying for Attendance Allowance. It may seem intimidating at first, but assistance is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don't let the form deter you from applying.

If you'd prefer to do it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to complete your claim form here. Full details on how to obtain the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.