Nearly 1.7 million older people in England and Wales were receiving Attendance Allowance as of November 2025, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). In Scotland, 185,895 people aged over 66 were receiving the devolved Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) from Social Security Scotland. Both benefits provide either £76.70 or £114.60 per week, typically paid every four weeks, amounting to £306.80 or £458.40 per payment period. These benefits are paid in arrears.
Eligibility and Conditions Supported
Attendance Allowance and PADP are designed for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to a disability, long-term illness, or mental or physical health condition. The amount depends on the level of support needed: the lower rate for help during the day or night, and the higher rate for help both day and night, or for people who are terminally ill. There is no mobility component. The most common disabling condition supported is arthritis, with over 503,000 claimants. The top 10 conditions account for 1.28 million (76%) of all Attendance Allowance claimants:
- Arthritis: 503,389
- Dementia: 173,231
- Heart Disease: 127,756
- Respiratory Conditions: 107,181
- Disease of the 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 a checklist but illustrates the range of conditions supported. If you need extra support due to a long-term condition, check eligibility on GOV.UK or MYGOV.SCOT.
How to Claim and What It Affects
You should apply if you need help with personal care, such as getting dressed, eating, bathing, or going to the toilet, or if you need supervision to stay safe. The benefit is not means-tested, so savings and income do not affect eligibility. It is tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap. Attendance Allowance does not affect your State Pension and can be claimed while working. It may increase other benefits like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction. To claim, complete a form available by post or phone from GOV.UK. Help is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age.
Special Rules for Scotland and PIP
If you live in Scotland, claim Pension Age Disability Payment instead. You cannot get both benefits. If you already receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you cannot claim Attendance Allowance; instead, the DWP may reassess your DLA. If you are approaching State Pension age, you may be better off claiming PIP first. For PADP, apply online, by phone, or by post via MYGOV.SCOT. Independent advocacy support is available through Advice Direct Scotland (0808 196 8901).
