The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed 10 health conditions that could entitle older Britons to up to £458 a month in Attendance Allowance. The benefit is designed to help State Pension age individuals with extra costs arising from disabilities or severe health conditions requiring care or supervision.
As of August 2025, over 1.7 million people were receiving Attendance Allowance, according to DWP figures. Recipients receive either £76.70 or £114.60 per week, paid every four weeks, amounting to £306.40 or £458.40 per payment period.
Most Common Condition: Arthritis
Arthritis is the most common condition for which pensioners receive Attendance Allowance. DWP data shows that more than half a million of the 1.7 million recipients—512,300 people—qualify due to arthritis.
The following 10 conditions account for 75% of all Attendance Allowance claims. The DWP emphasises that this list is not a strict checklist but helps illustrate which conditions are commonly supported.
- Arthritis – 512,300
- Dementia – 176,393
- Heart Disease – 130,043
- Respiratory Conditions – 109,714
- Disease of the Muscles, Bones or Joints – 91,009
- Cerebrovascular Disease – 74,361
- Back Pain – 79,646
- Visual Disorders and Diseases – 51,096
- Parkinson’s – 45,820
- Neurological Conditions – 38,529
Eligibility Criteria for Attendance Allowance
To qualify, you must have reached State Pension age and meet the following conditions:
- Have a physical disability (including sensory disability like blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or a health condition.
- Your disability or health condition must be severe enough that you need help caring for yourself or supervision for safety.
- You must have needed that help for at least six months.
Additionally, you must:
- Be in Great Britain when you claim (with exceptions for armed forces members and families).
- Have been in Great Britain for at least two of the last three years (not applicable to refugees or those with humanitarian protection).
- Be habitually resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands.
- Not be subject to immigration control (unless a sponsored immigrant).
- Not be receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA), or Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).
Care Home Residents
If you live in a care home and your care is paid for by the local authority, you cannot usually get Attendance Allowance. However, you can still claim if you pay all care home costs yourself.
