This Morning: Marin Lewis issues Attendance Allowance advice
Benefit claimants could be entitled to an extra £110 a week from the DWP. So today we look at guidance that can help you with the claim form.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides Attendance Allowance, a benefit for individuals over State Pension age who require assistance with personal care or supervision due to an illness, disability or mental health condition.
Successful claimants can now receive either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, depending on the level of support needed. These payments, made every four weeks, total £295.60 or £441.60 respectively. This additional income can be used as you see fit to meet your needs and maintain your independence at home – there’s no requirement to spend it on a carer.
This tax-free benefit, specifically designed to assist older people, won’t impact any other state support you’re receiving. Independent Age, a charity, has produced a factsheet to guide new claimants through the application process, along with seven top tips for completing the form.
According to the most recent DWP figures from February 2025, over 1.7 million people across Great Britain, reports the Daily Record.
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so, unlike Pension Credit, income from any retirement earnings or savings will not be taken into consideration.
The charity Independent Age is helping pensioners with health issues claim the tax-free benefit. (Image: Getty Images)
Tips for completing Attendance Allowance application form
Independent Age advises: “The decision maker will use your claim form to work out whether you qualify for Attendance Allowance, so it’s important to give as much detail as possible.”
They recommend anyone completing the form should:
- Explain how your condition affects your day-to-day life and what personal tasks you have difficulties with
- Answer all the questions if you can and give examples
- Include the time it takes you to carry out specific tasks and how much help you need with them, even if there’s no one to help you
- Explain how your needs change and how bad your difficulties can be if some days are better than others
- Mention any things you avoid doing because they’re difficult for you – for example, if it’s difficult bending and reaching to put on and take off socks, even while you’re sitting down
- Explain what happens when you don’t receive the care you need, especially if this has left you at risk of falls or struggling to manage
- Send supporting information if you’re able to – for example, from your carer, GP or consultant.
More help and support is available on the Independent Age website here or by calling them on 0800 319 6789. Here is a brief guide to the benefit to assist you in deciding if you – or a family member – should apply.
What exactly is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance assists with additional costs if you have a disability, physical or mental health condition, or illness severe enough that it makes it difficult for you to care for yourself – it does not cover mobility needs.
You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to apply.
Who is eligible to apply?
You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and require help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if you don’t currently receive that help.
This could include:
- Help with your personal care – for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
- Help to stay safe
You should consider applying if you struggle with personal tasks, such as those that take a significant amount of time, cause discomfort or require physical assistance, like leaning on a chair. Attendance Allowance isn’t solely for people with a physical disability or illness.
It’s also worth claiming if you require assistance or supervision throughout the day or night due to:
- a mental health condition.
- learning difficulties.
- a sensory condition – such as being deaf or visually impaired.
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The main disabling conditions for Attendance Allowance
These medical conditions are derived from data recorded on the DWP’s Attendance Allowance computer system. The DWP notes that when multiple conditions exist, the primary disabling condition is reported.
This list isn’t a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, but rather a guide to help people comprehend the types of conditions that are supported. However, if you require additional support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- Back Pain
- Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
- Trauma to Limbs
- Visual Disorders and Diseases
- Hearing Disorders
- Heart Disease
- Respiratory Disorders and Diseases
- Asthma
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Peripheral vascular Disease
- Epilepsy
- Neurological Diseases
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Motor Neurone Disease
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Metabolic Disease
- Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
- Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
- Learning Difficulties
- Psychosis
- Psychoneurosis
- Personality Disorder
- Dementia
- Behavioural Disorder
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse
- Hyperkinetic Syndrome
- Renal Disorders
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Bowel and Stomach Disease
- Blood Disorders
- Haemophilia
- Multi System Disorders
- Multiple Allergy Syndrome
- Skin Disease
- Malignant Disease
- Severely Mentally impaired
- Double Amputee
- Deaf/Blind
- Haemodialysis
- Frailty
- Total Parenteral Nutrition
- AIDS
- Infectious diseases: Viral disease – Coronavirus covid-19
What could I potentially receive from Attendance Allowance?
You could be eligible for £73.90 if you need assistance during the day or at night, or £110.40 if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, meaning you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 each pay period.
The money can be spent as you wish and could assist in maintaining your independence at home for a longer period.
This might include:
- Arranging for taxi services.
- Contributing towards bills.
- Employing a cleaner or gardener.
Is it possible to claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings?
Indeed, Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested so your other income or the amount of savings you have doesn’t matter – there’s no limit. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap, meaning no money will be deducted from any other benefits.
Will my State Pension be affected by Attendance Allowance?
No, your State Pension won’t be impacted and you can still claim it even if you’re working and earning money.
How does Attendance Allowance impact other benefits?
If you receive Attendance Allowance, your other benefits may increase. These include:
- Additional Pension Credit.
- Reduction in Housing Benefit.
- Council Tax Reduction.
How do I submit a claim?
You will need to complete a long 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 put you off 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.
What happens if I am nearing State Pension age?
If you’re considering applying for Attendance Allowance upon reaching State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately – you could potentially receive a higher amount.
Who is ineligible for Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance cannot be claimed if you reside in Scotland; instead, you should apply for Pension Age Disability Payment. You won’t qualify for Attendance Allowance if you’re already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs. If you attempt to apply for Attendance Allowance while on DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance.
More information about Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
