Nearly 1.7 million people across England and Wales receiving Attendance Allowance could see their monthly payments rise by £151.60 if their condition worsens and they move from the lower to the higher payment rate, according to the latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
At the end of November 2025, around 1.7 million people in England and Wales were receiving Attendance Allowance, while over 185,800 people in Scotland were claiming the devolved Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), according to Social Security Scotland. Both benefits provide financial support to people over State Pension age with a disability, long-term illness or health condition.
Attendance Allowance and PADP are not means-tested, are tax-free, and are worth either £76.70 or £114.60 per week. As payments are typically made every four weeks, this amounts to either £306.80 or £458.40 per payment period. There is no mobility component attached to either benefit.
Reporting a change in circumstances
For people whose condition has declined or who have developed further health issues since their award began, it may be worthwhile contacting the DWP or Social Security Scotland to report a change of circumstances, especially if they are on the lower rate. DWP guidance states that if circumstances change, the amount of Attendance Allowance received may go up or down.
For those currently on the lower rate of £76.70 per week, payments could increase by £37.90 to the higher rate of £114.60. Monthly payments would rise by £151.60 from £306.80 to £458.40. This also applies to anyone claiming PADP from Social Security Scotland, who can report a change by calling 0800 182 2222, with full guidance on MYGOV.SCOT.
Reasons to contact the DWP
The DWP guidance lists several reasons for contacting them about a change in circumstances when claiming Attendance Allowance. These include: if the level of help needed or the condition changes; going into hospital or a care home; if a medical professional has said the claimant might have 12 months or less to live; leaving the country for more than 4 weeks; going into prison; changing name, address or bank details; wanting to stop receiving the benefit; if the doctor's details change; or if immigration status changes for non-British citizens.
People should also consider reporting a change if they need more help for a disability or illness, such as additional help or supervision throughout the day or night, even if they do not currently get that help. This could include help with personal care, such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and going to the toilet, as well as help to stay safe.
Claimants should also consider reporting a change if they are experiencing more difficulties completing personal tasks, for example if tasks take a long time, cause pain, or require physical help. Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness; it also supports those with mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or sensory conditions such as deafness or blindness.
The Attendance Allowance helpline can be contacted on 0800 731 0122, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, with full details about reporting a change available on the GOV.UK website.
Most common conditions and payment rates
The most common condition claimed on Attendance Allowance is arthritis, with some 512,300 people receiving support for it. However, there are nearly 50 conditions supported by Attendance Allowance, and even if a claimant already receives support for one condition, another may have developed or the current condition may have become more debilitating.
Attendance Allowance provides £76.70 a week for those who need help during the day or at night, or £114.60 a week for those who need help during the day and at night, or who are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, and the money can be spent however the claimant likes, potentially helping them stay independent in their own home for longer, such as paying for taxis, helping towards bills, or paying for a cleaner or gardener.
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so it does not matter what other income or savings a claimant has. It is tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap. It does not affect State Pension and can be claimed while still working. Other benefits may increase if a claimant receives Attendance Allowance, including Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction, and Council Tax Reduction.
For those in Scotland, PADP has replaced Attendance Allowance for all new and existing claimants with a Scottish postcode. To apply for PADP, a claimant must have reached State Pension age and have had care needs during the day or night for 6 months or more because of a disability or health condition. Applications can still be made if care needs have not yet lasted 6 months, if there is no diagnosis, or if the claimant is terminally ill, in which case a fast-track process applies. It is not possible to receive both Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time.
