Newly released government statistics have shed light on the long-term financial support provided to hundreds of thousands of older people across Britain. According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), more than 1.7 million pensioners were receiving Attendance Allowance by the end of February 2025.
Which conditions secure the longest awards?
The data provides a crucial insight into which health conditions are most likely to result in an award lasting five years or more. A significant 36 per cent of all claimants – approximately 563,746 individuals – have secured these longer-term payments.
This benefit, designed to help with extra costs arising from illness or disability, pays either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, depending on the level of care required. The money is paid directly to the claimant and can be used for anything from taxi fares and heating bills to paying for a cleaner or gardener, helping maintain independence at home.
The full list of health conditions and long-term award rates
The DWP figures break down the percentage of claimants per condition who receive awards for five years or longer. The list highlights that lifelong, degenerative conditions typically attract longer awards, while shorter awards are given where medical improvement is anticipated.
Notable conditions with high rates of long-term awards include:
- Frailty - 100%
- Traumatic Paraplegia - 54%
- Tuberculosis - 53%
- Multiple Sclerosis - 52%
- Heart Disease and Neurological Diseases - 50%
Arthritis is the most commonly claimed-for condition overall, supporting 508,964 people. Nearly half (47%) of those claiming for arthritis receive the five-year award. Other prevalent conditions with high long-term award rates include Spondylosis (48%), Learning Difficulties (48%), and Personality Disorder (48%).
At the other end of the scale, only 1% of those claiming for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and 20% for Dementia received the five-year award, reflecting the different prognosis and nature of these conditions.
Who is eligible and how does it work?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit for State Pension age individuals who need help with personal care or supervision due to a severe physical or mental disability or illness. Crucially, you do not need to have a carer to claim.
Eligibility hinges on needing help or supervision during the day or at night. This can include assistance with tasks like dressing, washing, eating, or needing someone to ensure your safety. The help can be required frequently during the day, or constantly through both day and night.
The lower weekly rate of £73.90 is for those who need frequent daytime help or constant supervision at night. The higher rate of £110.40 is for those requiring help or supervision throughout both day and night, or for those who are terminally ill.
How to claim and what it means for other benefits
Claiming involves completing a detailed form, available from the GOV.UK website or by phone. Organisations like Citizens Advice and Independent Age can provide guidance through the process.
Attendance Allowance can act as a gateway to increased support. Receiving it may lead to a higher Pension Credit, more help with Housing Benefit, or a reduction in Council Tax. It does not affect your State Pension and is ignored for the Benefits Cap.
It is important to note that residents of Scotland cannot claim Attendance Allowance. They must apply for the devolved Pension Age Disability Payment instead. Furthermore, you cannot claim if you already receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for care.
The latest figures underscore the vital role this benefit plays in supporting the independence and wellbeing of older people across the UK living with long-term health challenges.
