Thousands of pensioners across the UK could be missing out on claiming up to £108.55 each week from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through a benefit known as Attendance Allowance — and many may qualify without even realising it.

Designed for those over State Pension age who require help due to physical or mental health issues, Attendance Allowance provides essential financial support to older individuals facing long-term medical conditions. Importantly, a wide range of common illnesses qualifies — and around 75% of claimants fall under just a handful of conditions.

What Is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit offered to people aged 66 or older who need assistance with personal care or supervision because of disability or health problems. The money is intended to help with the extra costs associated with living with a long-term condition, whether or not the person receives formal care.

As of April 2025, the benefit is paid at two different rates:

• Lower rate: £72.65 per week – for those needing help either during the day or at night.
• Higher rate: £108.55 per week – for those needing care both during the day and night, or who are terminally ill.

That’s up to £434.20 every four weeks at the higher rate, a potentially life-changing amount for pensioners managing on tight budgets.

Learn more directly from the government here: https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for Attendance Allowance, you must:

• Be 66 or over (State Pension age).
• Have needed help with personal care or supervision for at least six months (unless you are terminally ill).
• Be a UK resident, normally living in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
• Have a physical or mental health condition or disability.

Crucially, you do not need a formal diagnosis or a professional caregiver to qualify. What matters is the help you require, not whether you actually receive that help.

Most Common Conditions That Qualify

DWP data shows that roughly 75% of claims are related to a few widespread health problems:

• Arthritis – Nearly 29% of all claims.
• Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease – 15%.
• Neurological conditions – Such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Motor Neurone Disease, around 13%.
• Stroke/Cerebrovascular Disease – 10%.
• Respiratory Conditions – COPD, asthma, and bronchitis, 8%.

Other eligible conditions include cancer, mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, heart disease, and visual or hearing impairments.

How to Apply

Applying for Attendance Allowance requires filling out Form AA1. It can be:

• Requested by phone from the DWP on 0800 731 0122
• Or downloaded online from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/attendance-allowance-claim-form

You’ll need to detail how your condition affects your daily life, such as difficulties with:

• Washing, dressing, or getting out of bed
• Managing medication
• Moving around safely
• Supervision to prevent harm or confusion

You may also include a supporting letter from a GP, although this is not mandatory.

Extra Help If You Qualify

Claiming Attendance Allowance can unlock additional support, including:

• Pension Credit top-ups
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Reduction
• Carer’s Allowance (for someone who looks after you)
• Cold Weather Payments in winter months

So, even if you think your condition doesn’t “seem serious enough,” it’s worth checking. Many people dismiss their eligibility out of modesty or confusion — and miss out on vital help.

Key Takeaway

If you’re over 66 and live with a long-term condition, there’s a good chance you could be entitled to £72.65 or even £108.55 a week in Attendance Allowance. The process is straightforward, the support can make a real difference, and it won’t impact your other benefits or income.

Find out more and apply here: 🔗 https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.