State pensioners with one of nine common health conditions could be entitled to Attendance Allowance of up to £114.60 a week from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The benefit is paid to people of State Pension age who need a certain level of care to help with extra living costs.
Two Rates of Payment for 2026-2027
The amount paid depends on the level of care needed and has two rates. The higher rate is £114.60 a week, which works out at £5,959.20 a year. The lower rate for the 2026-2027 tax year is £76.70 a week, or £3,988.40 per year.
The lower rate of Attendance Allowance - or the equivalent Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland - is for those who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day or at night. The higher rate applies when someone needs help or supervision throughout the day and night, or when a medical professional says a person is nearing the end of their life.
Nine Health Conditions That May Qualify
There is no definitive list of qualifying conditions, but the DWP lists some main disabling conditions on its Disability Living Allowance computer system. These include nine health conditions that may mean an elderly sufferer can qualify. All applications are assessed individually.
- Arthritis - causes pain, swelling and stiffness in one or more joints, including osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Back pain - particularly lower back pain, sometimes caused by ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that can affect daily activities.
- Heart disease - includes coronary artery disease, aortic disease, stroke and peripheral arterial disease.
- Asthma - a life-long condition affecting breathing, with symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
- Dementia - a syndrome of declining brain function causing memory loss, reduced thinking speed, language and movement problems, and difficulty with daily activities.
- Hearing disorders - including partial or total hearing loss, common as people age, which may be treatable and could mean entitlement to Attendance Allowance.
- Visual disorders - including difficulty reading, watching TV or seeing faces, night vision problems or vision changes; if vision loss makes everyday tasks difficult, it could mean eligibility for support.
- Parkinson's Disease - a progressive brain disorder damaging nerve cells, causing tremors, slow movement and stiff muscles, affecting movement, balance and coordination.
- Motor Neurone Disease - a progressive condition damaging nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, weakening muscles; it usually affects those over 50 and currently has no cure.
The conditions listed are not a checklist for qualifying, and every case is determined individually.
