The DWP is urging people with certain health conditions to check their eligibility for a key support payment. Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people who are physically or mentally disabled, or of state pension age or older
People with certain health conditions are being urged to verify their eligibility for a vital support payment(Image: Richard Swingler)
People with certain health conditions are being encouraged to check their eligibility for a crucial support payment. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) lists 57 medical conditions that could qualify you for a payment of £441 every four weeks.
The DWP offers an attendance allowance to those whose disability is severe enough to necessitate care from another person. The amount you receive is contingent on the level of care your disability requires. If you’re physically or mentally disabled, or of state pension age or older, you may be eligible for this payment.
Like other benefits, the attendance allowance saw a rise in April. Last November, the government declared that state benefits would increase by 1.7% from April. This implies that from April 2025, if you’re eligible, you’ll have more money at your disposal. Here’s all you need to know about the attendance allowance, including how to apply and how much you could potentially receive.
What is attendance allowance?
Attendance allowance is a benefit granted if your disability is so severe that you require someone else’s help for care. It’s paid at two different rates, and the amount you receive depends on the extent of extra care you need.
Attendance allowance isn’t based on your income or savings, and it doesn’t cover mobility needs.
However, other benefits you’re currently receiving could see a boost if you qualify for attendance allowance.
The lower rate is awarded if you require regular assistance or constant supervision during the day, or oversight at night.
The higher rate is allocated if you need help or supervision both day and night, or if a healthcare professional has indicated that your life expectancy may be less than 12 months. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
In April 2024, both rates saw a 1.7% increase after the DWP adjusted most benefits in line with September’s CPI inflation figure.
In the 2025/26 financial year, the Attendance Allowance rates stand at £110.40 per week for the higher rate and £73.90 per week for the lower rate.
Payments are made every four weeks, totalling approximately £441 over a four-week period.
What health conditions could qualify you for attendance allowance?
The DWP provides a list of common health issues that might make you eligible for attendance allowance. They are as follows:
ArthritisSpondylosisBack pain – other/precise diagnosis not specifiedDisease of the muscles, bones or jointsTrauma to limbsVisual disorders and diseasesHearing disordersHeart diseaseRespiratory disorders and diseasesAsthmaCystic fibrosisCerebrovascular diseasePeripheral vascular diseaseEpilepsyNeurological diseasesMultiple sclerosisParkinson’s diseaseMotor neurone diseaseChronic pain syndromesDiabetes mellitusMetabolic diseaseTraumatic paraplegia/tetraplegiaMajor trauma other than traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegiaLearning difficultiesPsychosisPsychoneurosisPersonality DisorderDementiaBehavioural disorderAlcohol and drug abuseHyperkinetic syndromeRenal disordersInflammatory bowel diseaseBowel and stomach diseaseBlood disordersHaemophiliaMulti system disordersMultiple allergy syndromeSkin diseaseMalignant diseaseSeverely mentally impairedDouble amputeeDeaf/blindHaemodialysisFrailtyTotal parenteral nutritionAIDSInfectious diseases: viral disease – Covid-19Infectious diseases: viral disease – precise diagnosis not specifiedInfectious diseases: bacterial disease – tuberculosisInfectious diseases: bacterial disease – precise diagnosis not specifiedInfectious diseases: protozoal disease – malariaInfectious diseases: protozoal disease – other/precise diagnosis not specifiedInfectious diseases – other / precise diagnosis not specifiedCognitive disorder – other / precise diagnosis not specifiedTerminally IllUnknown
How can I apply for attendance allowance?
You can apply for attendance allowance by post click here.
Along with the form, you’ll receive notes guiding you on how to complete it.
Send the filled-out form to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance.
There’s no need for a postcode or a stamp.
If you need the form in different formats, such as braille, large print or audio CD, you can call the attendance allowance helpline.
The helpline number is 0800 731 0122 and it operates from 8am to 6pm.
Find out everything else you need to know about attendance allowance here.
