Over 1.7 million pensioners are receiving additional financial support through disability benefits.
More than 1.7 million people over state pension age across Great Britain will receive up to £1,362 each month through a combination of two, separate payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) are paid independently of the state pension, but can provide additional financial support for older people with a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health conditions.
Attendance Allowance and PADP are not means-tested and worth either £73.90 for the lower rate or £110.40 for the higher rate each week and as the benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period. Pensioners could add up to £5,740 to their 2025/26 income to help with the extra costs through either of the disability benefits. The full state pension is £230.25 per week, and as the payment is typically made every four weeks, this amounts to £921 a month. Annual payments are worth £11,973 over the 2025/26 financial year.
However, it’s important to be aware that not all of the 4.1 million people on the state pension receive the full amount, as it is linked to National Insurance Contributions.
The full basic state pension is £176.45 per week, or £705.80 every four-week payment period. Annual payments are worth £9,175.40 over the 2025/26 financial year.
To check your own future state pension payments, use the online forecasting tool on GOV.UK here.
Pensioners in Scotland can no longer claim Attendance Allowance and need to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland.
The benefit will replace Attendance Allowance by the end of 2025.
How much someone receives for Attendance Allowance or PADP depends on the level of support needed. The benefit is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses as a result of their condition which can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer.
There is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance or PADP.
Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP
The conditions listed below are sourced from information recorded on the DWP’s Attendance Allowance computer system. PADP also supports people with these conditions.
However, it’s important to note this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance or PADP, it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported.
If you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.
Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain
- 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
- Parkinsons 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
Below is an overview of what you should know about Attendance Allowance, including how to start your application. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
It is also worth considering making a claim for Attendance Allowance – or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) if you or a family member are below State Pension age. You can find out more about claiming PIP or ADP here.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself – it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.
Who can claim?
You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you don’t currently get that help.
This might 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 also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, 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 need 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
How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?
You could receive £73.90 if you need help during the day or at night or £110.40 if you need help during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks , which means you could receive either £295.60 or £441.40 every pay period.
You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.
This might include:
- paying for taxis
- helping towards bills
- paying for a cleaner or gardener
Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?
Yes. Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested so it doesn’t matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either – there’s no limit. it is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won’t have money taken away from any other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?
No, it won’t affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you’re still working and earning money.
How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:
- Extra Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit Reduction
- Council Tax Reduction
How do I make 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.
