State pensioners with nine common health conditions may be eligible for weekly payments of up to £114.60 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help with extra costs.
The money comes from the DWP benefit Attendance Allowance, which can be claimed by people who have reached State Pension age and have a health condition that means they require a certain level of care. Attendance Allowance is paid at a lower or a higher rate, and the amount pensioners can get depends on the level of care they need. In the 2026 to 2027 tax year, the lower amount is worth £76.70 per week (or £3,988.40 per year), while the higher amount is worth £114.60 per week (or £5,959.20 per year).
The benefit can be claimed by pension-age people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but if you live in Scotland, you can get Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) instead, which is paid at the same rate. The lower rate of both Attendance Allowance and PADP is given to those who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day or at night, while the higher rate is given to those who need help or supervision throughout the day and night, or if a medical professional has said you're nearing the end of life.
Common Conditions That May Qualify
While there isn't a definitive list of health conditions that qualify for Attendance Allowance, the DWP does have a list of the main disabling conditions recorded on its Disability Living Allowance computer system, which includes the following nine common health conditions.
If you have one of these conditions, you may be likely to qualify for up to £114.60 per week from the DWP, but it's important to note that this is not a checklist for qualifying and is simply an overview of the type of common conditions that are being supported.
The Nine Conditions Listed
Arthritis causes pain, swelling and stiffness in one or more joints which can make movement difficult. Common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
Back pain, particularly in the lower back, is very common and can sometimes be caused by ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis. If it affects your ability to do day-to-day activities, it could potentially entitle you to Attendance Allowance.
Heart disease has many different types, such as coronary artery disease, aortic disease, stroke and peripheral arterial disease, which may entitle you to the benefit.
Asthma is a common life-long condition that affects your breathing and can cause symptoms like wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be mild or severe and are usually treated with an inhaler, but some people may require other treatment.
Parkinson's Disease is a progressive brain disorder that damages nerve cells over many years and can lead to problems with movement, balance and coordination. The main symptoms include tremors, slow movement, and stiff and inflexible muscles.
These conditions are among the most common recorded, but eligibility for Attendance Allowance is based on the level of care needed rather than the specific diagnosis.
