DWP's top 48 health conditions to help you get £110 a week

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that nearly 1.7 million elderly people were claiming Attendance Allowance at the end of August 2024.

This tax-free benefit, which is not means-tested, is valued at either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week during the 2025/26 financial year. Typically paid every four weeks, this equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period - totalling around £5,740.80 over the course of the 2025/26 financial year.

The amount received depends on the level of support required, and the benefit is intended to assist those of State Pension age with daily living costs, potentially enabling them to maintain their independence at home for a longer period. It's important to note that there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance, reports the Daily Record.

Support for those with health conditions

The benefit aids individuals with a disability, chronic illness, and mental or physical health problems. The list of conditions supported through Attendance Allowance is extensive, but arthritis is the most common disabling condition - a term used by the DWP - providing support for 483,376 people across the UK.

It's important to note that this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, but rather a guide to help people understand the types of conditions being supported. However, if you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.

The statistics below illustrate the percentage of people claiming for health issues related to these 48 conditions:

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

It's worth noting that there are special rules in place for individuals with a terminal illness to speed up their application - full details can be found on GOV.UK here.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a benefit designed to help with the extra costs incurred if you have a severe physical or mental disability or illness that makes self-care challenging. It's important to note that it doesn't cover mobility needs, and there's no requirement for you to have a carer to be eligible.

If you're living with a disability or illness that necessitates assistance 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 includes needing help with personal care tasks such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet.

It also encompasses help needed to ensure your safety. You should also think about applying if you find personal tasks difficult, for example, 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 just for people with a physical disability or illness. It's also worth making a claim if you require help or supervision throughout the day or night due to a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or a sensory condition - such as being deaf or visually impaired.

How much could I receive 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 used in any way you see fit, potentially helping you to maintain your independence at home for a longer period. This could involve paying for taxis, contributing towards bills, or employing a cleaner or gardener.

How to make a claim for Attendance Allowance?

To apply for Attendance Allowance, you'll need to complete a comprehensive claim form. It might seem daunting initially, but support is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don't let the form discourage you from applying.

If you'd rather handle it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill out your claim form here. Full details on how to get the application form by post or over the phone are available on the GOV.UK website here.