This month, many people in the UK who suffer from certain health problems are being advised to get a vital financial boost. The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released a list of 57 health conditions that could entitle a person to a payment of up to £441 every four weeks under Attendance Allowance.
This assistance is for people who need to care for someone else due to the severity of their illness. The special thing is that this payment is not entirely dependent on your income or savings but is based on how much care you need.
What is Attendance Allowance and how does it help?
Attendance Allowance is a benefit scheme provided by the UK government to people who have mental or physical problems that make it difficult for them to carry out normal activities in daily life. If a person needs help several times a day or needs monitoring at night, they may be eligible for this allowance.
This support is paid at two different rates—a lower rate and a higher rate.
- The lower rate is paid if a person needs help often during the day or monitoring at night.
- The higher rate is paid if a person needs help both day and night or if a doctor has told them their life expectancy is less than 12 months.
This allowance has increased by 1.7% from April 2025, making the new rates as follows:
- Higher rate: £110.40 per week
- Lower rate: £73.90 per week
This amount is paid every four weeks, so an eligible person could receive a payment of around £441.
What illnesses make you eligible for this payment?
The DWP has released a list of 57 common health conditions based on which a person can be eligible for Attendance Allowance. These health conditions are mental, physical, cognitive and infection-related. Some of the major names are as follows:
- Arthritis, spondylosis, back pain, muscle and bone diseases
- Eye and hearing disorders, heart and respiratory diseases
- Asthma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, motor neuron disease
- Psychosis, insanity, dementia, personality disorders
- Diabetes, infectious diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis
- Skin diseases, cancer, AIDS, and multi-allergy syndrome
- Double amputees, deaf and blind people, and the terminally ill
If you are suffering from any of these diseases and you need to care for another person, then you can apply for this allowance.
How to apply for Attendance Allowance?
Applying for this allowance is very simple. You can apply by post and receive a form with a guide note to help you fill it in correctly.
Application process:
- Download or order the form by post.
- Fill it in and send it to:
- Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance
- (No postcode or stamp required for this address.)
- If you want the form in Braille, large font or audio format, call the helpline.
- Helpline number:
- 0800 731 0122 (Timings: 8am to 6pm)
You can also call the same number to check the status of your claim.
Conclusion: A vital support that can improve your life
DWP’s Attendance Allowance is a boon for millions of elderly and disabled citizens who are living with care needs. If you or someone you care about suffers from one of the 57 health conditions mentioned above and needs care, this payment can make life a little easier.
This allowance can not only improve your financial situation but also give you the support you need for your health. So without delay, apply for this scheme if you are eligible and avail yourself of this financial aid.
FAQs
Q. Who is eligible for the £441 Attendance Allowance?
A. Anyone over State Pension age with a disability or health condition that requires regular care or supervision may qualify.
Q. How much is the Attendance Allowance?
A. You can receive either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, depending on the level of care you need — paid every four weeks (up to £441/month).
Q. Does income or savings affect the allowance?
A. No, Attendance Allowance is not means-tested. Your income or savings do not affect your eligibility.
Q. How can I apply for Attendance Allowance?
A. You can apply by post using a form available from the DWP. Call 0800 731 0122 to request one in your preferred format.
Q. What health conditions qualify for the payment?
A. There are 57 listed conditions, including arthritis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, heart disease, and severe mental impairments.
