Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment: Financial Support for Older People
Pensioners with ongoing health conditions may be eligible for up to £458 a month through Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). These benefits provide either £76.70 or £114.60 per week, typically paid every four weeks, resulting in £306.80 or £458.40 per payment period. Both benefits are paid in arrears.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), nearly 1.7 million older people were receiving Attendance Allowance as of November 2025. In Scotland, Social Security Scotland data shows 185,895 people aged over 66 receive Pension Age Disability Payment.
Who Can Claim and How Much?
Attendance Allowance and PADP are designed for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to illness or disability. The amount depends on the level of care needed: the lower rate (£76.70 per week) is for help during the day or night, while the higher rate (£114.60) is for help both day and night, or if you are terminally ill. There is no mobility component.
The benefits are not means-tested, so savings and other income do not affect eligibility. They are tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap.
Most Common Conditions Supported
The DWP lists the 10 most-claimed conditions for Attendance Allowance, covering 1.3 million (76%) of all recipients:
- Arthritis: 503,389
- Dementia: 173,231
- Heart Disease: 127,756
- Respiratory Conditions: 107,181
- Disease of Muscles, Bones or Joints: 88,973
- Cerebrovascular Disease: 72,237
- Back Pain: 78,430
- Visual Disorders and Diseases: 49,546
- Parkinson's: 45,129
- Neurological Conditions: 38,228
This list is not exhaustive; any long-term condition requiring care may qualify.
How to Apply
For England and Wales, claim Attendance Allowance via a form from GOV.UK. For Scotland, claim Pension Age Disability Payment through mygov.scot. You can apply online, by phone, or post. Help is available from Citizens Advice, Independent Age, or the Social Security Independent Advocacy Service (0808 196 8901).
If you are approaching State Pension age, you may be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead. You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance.
