If you’re aged 66 or older and struggling with a long-term illness or disability, you could be entitled to an extra £441 per month through the DWP Attendance Allowance—a benefit designed to support older individuals who need help with personal care.
Shockingly, up to 3.4 million eligible pensioners in the UK are not claiming this non-means-tested benefit, leaving millions of pounds unclaimed every year. This article explains who qualifies, how much you could receive, and the health conditions that could make you eligible.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for people who:
- Are over State Pension age (currently 66)
- Have a long-term illness or disability
- Require assistance with daily living activities, even if they’re not receiving professional help
This benefit does not require mobility issues and is not affected by your income or savings.
How Much Is Attendance Allowance in 2025?
The benefit is paid at two weekly rates, depending on how much help you need:
| Rate | Amount per Week | Monthly Equivalent | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate | £72.65 | ~£290 | Need help during the day OR night |
| Higher Rate | £108.55 | ~£441 | Need help during the day AND night, or terminally ill |
These amounts are typically paid every 4 weeks and directly deposited into your bank account.
Who Is Eligible for the £441 Monthly Boost?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be 66 years or older
- Have needed care for at least 6 months
- Be living in England, Scotland, or Wales and habitually resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands
- Not be receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
You don’t need to have someone currently helping you. It’s enough that you need help with basic tasks such as:
- Washing and dressing
- Preparing or eating food
- Taking medications
- Using the bathroom
- Staying safe at home
List of Qualifying Health Conditions
The DWP uses a wide list of conditions that may qualify you for Attendance Allowance. Below is a breakdown of some common physical and mental conditions that make someone eligible:
Eligible Physical Health Conditions:
- Arthritis, Back Pain, Spinal Injuries, Joint Diseases
- Heart Disease, Respiratory Disorders, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis
- Visual Impairment, Hearing Loss
- Diabetes Mellitus, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease
- Stroke (Cerebrovascular Disease), Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease
- Chronic Pain Syndromes, Metabolic Diseases
- Renal Disorders, Haemodialysis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Severe Frailty
- Infectious Diseases including COVID-19, Tuberculosis, Malaria
Eligible Mental or Cognitive Conditions:
- Dementia, Psychosis, Psychoneurosis
- Learning Difficulties, Severe Mental Impairment
- Behavioral Disorders, Personality Disorders
- Cognitive Disorders, Double Amputee, Deaf/Blind
Terminal Illness:
If you’re terminally ill, you can apply under a special fast-track process called Special Rules for End of Life (SREL), and will automatically qualify for the higher rate.
How to Apply for Attendance Allowance
To apply:
- Download the Attendance Allowance claim form (AA1) from the gov.uk website.
- Fill out the form in detail, explaining:
- What help you need
- How your condition affects daily life
- Send the completed form to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance (no stamp required).
You can also request a paper form by calling the DWP.
Why You Should Apply – Even If You’re Unsure
Many seniors don’t apply because they think:
- “I don’t want to be a burden”
- “I already get State Pension, that’s enough”
- “I don’t have a carer”
But Attendance Allowance is not means-tested and does not reduce your other benefits. In fact, receiving Attendance Allowance may increase your eligibility for other benefits, such as:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
If you’re over 66 and dealing with a long-term illness or disability, you may be eligible for up to £441 per month from the DWP’s Attendance Allowance.
With so many pensioners missing out, checking your eligibility and applying could provide much-needed financial support and peace of mind.
FAQs
Do I need to have a carer to receive Attendance Allowance?
No. You just need to require help, even if you’re not currently receiving it from anyone.
Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension or savings?
No. It is not means-tested, so savings and income won’t impact your eligibility.
Can I receive Attendance Allowance if I already get PIP or DLA?
No. You cannot receive Attendance Allowance if you’re currently getting PIP or DLA. If those stop, you can apply.