All the 48 health conditions eligible for extra £441 payment

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has disclosed that nearly 1.7 million elderly people were receiving Attendance Allowance as of the end of August 2024. This non-means-tested, tax-free benefit is valued at either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) per week during the 2025/26 fiscal year.

Typically disbursed every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment cycle - a total of approximately £5,740.80 over the course of the 2025/26 financial year.

The sum received hinges on the level of support needed, with the benefit intended to aid those of State Pension age with daily living costs, thus enabling them to retain their independence at home for longer. It's important to highlight that there is no mobility component linked to Attendance Allowance, reports the Daily Record.

Attendance Allowance supports a wide range of conditions, but arthritis is the most prevalent disabling condition, according to the DWP. This list isn't a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, but rather serves as a guide to help people understand the types of conditions that are supported.

The subsequent figures illustrate the percentage of people claiming for health issues related to these 48 conditions:.

• Arthritis - 47%
• Spondylosis - 48%
• Back Pain - Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified - 43%
• Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints - 40%
• Trauma to Limbs - 36%
• Visual Disorders and Diseases - 41%
• Hearing Disorders - 42%
• Heart Disease - 50%
• Respiratory Disorders and Diseases - 33%
• Asthma - 47%
• Cystic Fibrosis - 27%
• Cerebrovascular Disease - 42%
• Peripheral vascular Disease - 41%
• Epilepsy - 44%
• Neurological Diseases - 50%
• Multiple Sclerosis - 52%
• Parkinsons - 30%
• Motor Neurone Disease - 32%
• Chronic Pain Syndromes - 39%
• Diabetes Mellitus - 39%
• Metabolic Disease - 38%
• Traumatic Paraplegia - 54%
• Major Trauma Other than Traumatic/Paraplegia - 45%
• Learning Difficulties - 48%
• Psychosis - 44%
• Psychoneurosis - 38%
• Personality Disorder - 48%
• Dementia - 20%
• Behavioral Disorder - 28%
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse - 37%
• Hyperkinetic Syndrome - 27%
• Renal Disorders - 26%
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease - 42%
• Bowel and Stomach Disease - 37%
• Blood Disorders - 39%
• Haemophilia - 39%
• Multi System Disorders - 41%
• Multiple Allergy Syndrome - 44%
• Skin Disease - 37%
• Malignant Disease - 35%
• Haemodialysis - 22%
• Frailty - 100%
• AIDS - 47%
• Coronavirus covid-19 - 1%
• Viral disease - precise diagnosis not specified - 13%
• Tuberculosis - 53%
• Bacterial disease - precise diagnosis not specified - 43%
• Cognitive disorder (other) - 22%

It's worth noting that there are special rules in place for people with a terminal illness to expedite their application - full details can be found on the GOV.UK here.

If you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night - even if you're not currently receiving that help, you should apply for Attendance Allowance.

This could include:

• Help with personal care - such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet
• Assistance to ensure your safety

You should also apply if you struggle with personal tasks, for example, if they take you a long time, cause you pain, or you need physical support, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn't just for people with a physical disability or illness.

You should also claim if you require help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:

• A mental health condition
• Learning difficulties
• A sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired

You will need to complete a lengthy claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice, so don't let the form deter you from applying.

If you'd prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.