DWP Lists 48 Health Conditions Qualifying UK Pensioners For Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance: Growing older can bring many challenges, especially when health problems affect daily life. To offer support, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides a financial benefit called Attendance Allowance. As of February 2025, nearly 1.8 million pensioners were receiving this help in the UK.

This allowance is designed to ease the extra living costs faced by people with illnesses, disabilities, or health conditions.

If you are above the State Pension age and struggling with health issues, you may qualify for extra money—up to £110.40 per week. Let’s take a closer look at what Attendance Allowance is, who can claim it, and the 48 health conditions often linked with eligibility.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a weekly benefit that helps older adults with ongoing health problems. It isn’t means-tested, which means your income and savings do not affect your claim. Instead, the payment depends on how much support you need.

Weekly Rates of Attendance Allowance

Rate Type	Weekly Amount	Four-Week Amount
Lower Rate	£73.90	£295.60
Higher Rate	£110.40	£441.60

• The lower rate applies if you need help during the day or night.
• The higher rate is for those who need support both day and night, or if they have a terminal illness.

Who Can Claim Attendance Allowance?

You can apply if:

• You are State Pension age or above.
• You have a disability, chronic illness, or health condition that requires care or supervision.
• Your condition has lasted at least 6 months (unless you have a terminal illness).

It’s important to note that mobility needs are not covered by Attendance Allowance. It only focuses on personal care and daily living support.

48 Health Conditions Covered by DWP

The DWP does not require you to have a specific illness to qualify. However, here are some of the most common health conditions where claims are approved:

• Arthritis (most common – nearly 449,000 claims)
• Spondylosis
• Back Pain
• Disease of the Muscles, Bones, or Joints
• Visual Disorders and Diseases
• Hearing Disorders
• Heart Disease
• Respiratory Diseases (including Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis)
• Stroke or Cerebrovascular Disease
• Neurological Conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or Motor Neurone Disease
• Chronic Pain Syndromes
• Diabetes
• Dementia
• Learning Difficulties
• Mental Health Conditions (Psychosis, Personality Disorder, Anxiety, Depression)
• Cancer (Malignant Disease)
• Severe Frailty or Disabilities (Paraplegia, Amputees, Deaf/Blind conditions)
• Bowel, Kidney, or Stomach Disorders
• Infectious Diseases (including Coronavirus – COVID-19)

Currently, more than 43,000 individuals with terminal illnesses are receiving Attendance Allowance.

How to Apply for Attendance Allowance

Applying may seem overwhelming, but help is available:

1. Request a claim form from the official GOV.UK website or by phone.
2. If you find the form complicated, seek free help from Citizens Advice, who can guide you step by step.
3. Provide details about your health problems, how they affect your daily life, and what support you need.
4. Submit the form—your payments can be backdated to the date of claim.

Why Attendance Allowance Matters

This benefit is more than just money—it helps pensioners stay independent, afford extra care, and manage long-term health costs. Many people don’t realize they qualify, so spreading awareness can help thousands claim the support they deserve.

If you or a loved one is over State Pension age and struggling with a long-term health condition, the DWP Attendance Allowance could be a lifeline. With up to £110 per week available, it eases financial pressure and ensures elderly people can access the care they need.

Always check the eligibility rules on the official GOV.UK site, and don’t hesitate to seek help with your application. This support is designed to improve quality of life—so don’t miss out if you’re eligible.

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