The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that over 1.7 million elderly people in Great Britain are now receiving Attendance Allowance, a benefit designed to help with daily living costs. Payments range from £73.90 to £110.40 per week, distributed every four weeks, equating to either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment period.
The benefit supports individuals of State Pension age with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or mental and physical health conditions. In Scotland, new claims for Attendance Allowance have been replaced by the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), administered by Social Security Scotland. Existing claimants with Scottish postcodes will transition to PADP by the end of next month.
Arthritis is the most common condition supported, with 508,964 claimants across Great Britain. The DWP lists nearly 50 conditions eligible for the benefit. For new applications, the online service is currently limited, accepting only a restricted number of applications each week. Applicants must use a desktop or laptop computer, as mobile devices are not supported. Alternatively, claims can be made by post using a form from GOV.UK or by calling the helpline on 0800 731 0122.
A DWP spokesperson stated: 'We are temporarily testing a new online service to make claiming Attendance Allowance easier and to improve accessibility. While the online service is not yet widely available, no-one will miss out on the benefit as claimants can still apply in the usual way by post.' The DWP also updated postal guidance, reminding applicants not to write anything except the Freepost address on the envelope, and noting that no postcode or stamp is required.
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, tax-free, and exempt from the Benefit Cap. It does not affect State Pension or other benefits, and there is no mobility component. The benefit is intended to help people stay independent in their own homes for longer.
