The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published the comprehensive list of 48 health conditions that can qualify individuals for regular, tax-free financial support through Attendance Allowance.
What is DWP Attendance Allowance?
This benefit is specifically designed to assist State Pension age individuals who have a physical or mental disability or long-term illness. The payment is intended to help cover the extra costs associated with their condition, potentially enabling them to maintain independence at home for longer.
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested and is completely tax-free. It is paid at two different rates, depending on the level of care required by the individual.
Payment Rates and Eligibility Details
The benefit is paid weekly at either a lower rate of £73.90 or a higher rate of £110.40. These payments are typically made every four weeks, resulting in payouts of either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment period.
Over the course of the 2025/26 fiscal year, this amounts to approximately £5,740.80 for those on the higher rate. It is crucial to note that this allowance does not include a mobility component.
The 48 Health Conditions Supported
The DWP's extensive list covers a wide spectrum of health issues. While the list serves as a guide to the types of conditions supported, it is not a definitive checklist for claiming.
According to the data, arthritis is the most common disabling condition claimed for, with support provided to 483,376 people across the UK. Other prevalent conditions include:
- Heart Disease - 50%
- Neurological Diseases - 50%
- Multiple Sclerosis - 52%
- Traumatic Paraplegia - 54%
- Tuberculosis - 53%
The list also includes conditions such as dementia, chronic pain syndromes, diabetes, mental health conditions like psychosis and personality disorder, respiratory diseases, and various bacterial and viral diseases.
Interestingly, the data shows that 100% of claims for 'frailty' were successful, while only 1% of claims related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) were approved.
How to Claim and Next Steps
If you or someone you know requires additional support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability, or health condition, it is recommended to review the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website.
The key factor for eligibility is not the specific condition itself, but rather how the condition affects your need for care or supervision.
