Attendance Allowance takes a closer look at 48 conditions

The DWP lists 48 supported health conditions for Attendance Allowance and outlines two weekly payment rates, with guidance on eligibility and how to apply.

Attendance Allowance covers 48 conditions with weekly payments up to 110.40

Attendance Allowance is a UK benefit designed to help people with a disability or long term illness who need help during the day or at night. The Department for Work and Pensions lists 48 health conditions that can be considered under the program, ranging from dementia and frailty to chronic pain and diabetes. The list is meant to help people understand what types of conditions are supported, not to serve as a checklist for claims. Eligible applicants must meet the daytime or night time supervision or personal care requirement, and terminal illness has special expedited rules available on GOV.UK. The weekly payments come in two rates: £73.90 for the lower rate and £110.40 for the higher rate.

It is noted that about 1.7 million older people in Great Britain claim Attendance Allowance. The article highlights that arthritis is the most common condition among recipients, and several conditions are paired with percentages to indicate relative claim patterns. Applicants apply via a long form and can seek help from Citizens Advice. The payment can be used at the recipient’s discretion to support independence, such as paying for transport, domestic help, or bills.

The policy piece uses a long list of conditions to illustrate the scope of Attendance Allowance, while强调 that the list is informational, not a claim checklist. This distinction matters for claimants who may misread the document as a step by step guide. The two-tier weekly payment underscores a basic safety net rather than a premium benefit, but the scale of eligible conditions could raise questions about budget impact and equitable access. As costs rise, the government will need to keep guidance clear and the process straightforward for older people and their carers.

Highlights

The policy will be tested by how well the system stays clear as costs rise