DWP £110.40 per week for State Pensioners: Older people with these health issues can claim

DWP £110.40 per week for State Pensioners: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has shared new data showing that nearly 1.7 million older people across the UK are getting extra financial help through Attendance Allowance, including 150,000 in Scotland.

This benefit is especially for people of State Pension age who need help due to a physical or mental health condition. If you or someone you know needs extra care, this allowance can provide vital support.

What Is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and need help with daily tasks because of a disability, long-term illness, or health condition. It’s not based on income or savings, and it does not cover mobility needs.

You do not need to have a carer to qualify—you just need to show that you need support with daily personal care or supervision.

How Much Can You Get?

As of 7 April 2025, the weekly payments are:

• £73.90 per week (Lower Rate) – if you need help during the day or at night
• £110.40 per week (Higher Rate) – if you need help both day and night, or if a medical professional says you’re nearing the end of life

Because it’s paid every four weeks, that means you get:

• £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period, depending on the rate.

You can spend the money however you like. Many people use it to pay for:

• Help around the house (like a cleaner or gardener)
• Taxis for medical appointments
• Extra heating or food costs

Who Can Apply?

You can apply if you:

• Have a physical or mental illness, learning difficulty, or sensory issue (such as being deaf or visually impaired)
• Need help or supervision during the day, at night, or both
• Struggle with everyday tasks like eating, dressing, bathing, using the toilet, getting in and out of bed, or need support to stay safe

Even if you’re not currently receiving help, you can still apply if you find daily tasks painful, slow, or difficult.

Attendance Allowance award length

The figure below represents all claimants up until the end of August 2024.

• 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%

Will My Income or Savings Affect It?

No. Attendance Allowance is:

• Not means-tested – so your income and savings don’t matter
• Tax-free
• Exempt from the Benefit Cap, meaning your other benefits won’t be reduced

Will It Affect My State Pension?

Not at all. You can claim Attendance Allowance along with your State Pension, and even if you are still working or earning.

Can It Increase My Other Benefits?

Yes! If you get Attendance Allowance, you might also get more help through:

• Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Reduction

Who Cannot Claim Attendance Allowance?

You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you already get:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

If you’re getting one of these and apply for Attendance Allowance, the DWP will likely review your current benefit instead.

Should I Apply for Attendance Allowance or PIP?

If you are about to reach State Pension age and have not yet claimed a disability benefit, PIP might give you more money. It’s usually better to apply for PIP before reaching pension age, and then Attendance Allowance can be considered later if needed.

How Long Can You Receive Attendance Allowance?

According to the latest DWP stats:

• Over 563,000 people have been on Attendance Allowance for five years or more
• The most common condition among claimants is arthritis, with 483,376 people receiving help

People with lifelong or degenerative conditions often get longer-term awards, while shorter-term awards are given when a person’s health might improve.

How Do I Apply?

You will need to fill out a detailed claim form. While it may seem long, there is support available.

You can:

• Visit GOV.UK to request a form
• Call the DWP to get one posted to you
• Get help with filling it out from Citizens Advice or Independent Age

Attendance Allowance is a helpful benefit that can ease the financial pressure of living with a long-term condition in later life. It doesn’t depend on your income or savings, and you don’t need to have a carer to apply. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with daily tasks because of age, illness, or disability, this benefit can help maintain independence and dignity. With up to £110.40 a week available, it’s worth checking if you qualify and applying today.

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