Attendance Allowance is a financial benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help individuals with severe disabilities manage the extra costs of care.
If you require assistance with daily activities or supervision due to a medical condition, you could be eligible for payments ranging between £290 and £434 per month.
Here’s everything you need to know about this support and whether you may qualify.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit, meaning your income or savings do not affect your eligibility. The benefit is designed for individuals over the state pension age who require care due to a disability or illness.
The allowance is paid at two rates:
- Lower Rate (£72.65 per week): For those needing frequent help during the day or supervision at night.
- Higher Rate (£108.55 per week): For those needing care throughout both day and night or who are terminally ill with less than 12 months to live, as confirmed by a medical professional.
Conditions
A wide range of medical conditions could make you eligible for Attendance Allowance. Below is a comprehensive list of the qualifying conditions:
Physical Conditions
- Arthritis, spondylosis, back pain, and trauma to limbs.
- Diseases affecting muscles, bones, or joints.
- Visual and hearing disorders.
Cardiovascular Conditions
- Heart disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other respiratory issues.
Neurological Conditions
- Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, and chronic pain syndromes.
Cognitive Conditions
- Dementia, learning difficulties, psychosis, psychoneurosis, and personality disorders.
Other Medical Conditions
- Diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, malignant diseases, renal disorders, AIDS, and severe frailty.
- Infectious diseases like Covid-19, tuberculosis, or malaria.
- Terminal illness or unknown diagnoses.
Examples
You don’t have to have a carer to apply, but you must demonstrate care needs such as:
- Personal Hygiene: Assistance with bathing, shaving, or applying skin creams.
- Toileting Needs: Help using the toilet or managing accidents during the night.
- Medical Treatment: Managing medications, monitoring health conditions, or adjusting devices like hearing aids.
- Supervision: Preventing falls, ensuring safety, or managing panic attacks.
- Dressing and Undressing: Handling buttons, fastenings, or recognizing incorrect clothing placement.
- Meals: Help with eating, drinking, or preparing meals.
- Mobility: Assistance navigating stairs, getting in and out of bed, or moving safely indoors.
- Communication: Support with understanding or being understood, or help managing correspondence.
How to Apply
If you believe you may qualify, the process is simple:
- Get the Claim Form: Apply by post using the Attendance Allowance claim form, which includes guidance notes.
- Send the Form: Mail the completed form to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance. No postcode or stamp is required.
- Await Decision: The DWP will assess your claim and inform you of the decision.
You can access the form directly from the official DWP website or request one by phone.
Why it Matters
For many people, this benefit is a lifeline, helping cover the extra costs of living with a disability. Whether it’s paying for a caregiver or managing daily challenges, Attendance Allowance ensures financial support is available when it’s needed most.
FAQs
What is the Attendance Allowance?
A benefit for people over state pension age needing care due to a disability.
How much can I get from Attendance Allowance?
You can receive £290 to £434 a month, depending on your care needs.
Who qualifies for Attendance Allowance?
Those with disabilities needing daily or nightly care may qualify.
How do I apply for Attendance Allowance?
Complete the form and send it to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance.
Does income affect Attendance Allowance eligibility?
No, it is not means-tested.
