The benefit is designed for those who need extra help with their care
As the population ages, more of us will become reliant on care – while at the same time, the cost of care seems to be going up and up. To help offset these costs, the government provides an Attendance Allowance for Brits over 65 who need a financial boost to maintain their health.
This allowance is specifically designed for 1.7 million elderly Brits are already claiming this additional support or illnesses that make self-care challenging, providing funds to assist with additional care costs.
If you’re currently living with a disability or illness that could benefit from extra care – even if you’re not presently receiving any assistance – you may be eligible to apply for the attendance allowance. According to recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), 1.7 million elderly Brits are already claiming this additional support, but anyone suffering from one of the listed 48 health conditions could also qualify.
The financial benefits can quickly accumulate. The payment is tax-free and typically paid directly into your bank account each month.
Currently, payments are divided into two bands: the lower rate receives £73.90 weekly, while the higher rate receives £110.40, reports the Express.
Over the course of a year, this can significantly reduce your care bill, potentially saving around £5,700. Your eligibility for either band depends on the level of support you require. However, it’s crucial to note that there is no mobility component attached to the Attendance Allowance.
The DWP states that the benefit is designed to assist those dealing with disability, chronic illnesses and struggles with mental or physical health. However, the 48 conditions eligible for care payments are quite diverse, with arthritis being the most common condition supported, currently with 483,376 on the Attendance Allowance roll.
It’s crucial to note that these 48 conditions aren’t a checklist. The benefit can be assessed on an individual basis; however, if you need additional support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.
Full list of conditions that may be eligible for attendance allowance
- AIDS
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Back Pain – Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified
- Bacterial disease – precise diagnosis not specified
- Behavioral Disorder
- Blood Disorders
- Bowel and Stomach Disease
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Cognitive disorder (other)
- Coronavirus covid-19
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Dementia
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
- Epilepsy
- Frailty
- Haemodialysis
- Haemophilia
- Hearing Disorders
- Heart Disease
- Hyperkinetic Syndrome
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Learning Difficulties
- Major Trauma Other than Traumatic/Paraplegia
- Malignant Disease
- Metabolic Disease
- Motor Neurone Disease
- Multi System Disorders
- Multiple Allergy Syndrome
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neurological Diseases
- Parkinsons
- Peripheral vascular Disease
- Personality Disorder
- Psychoneurosis
- Psychosis
- Renal Disorders
- Respiratory Disorders and Diseases
- Skin Disease
- Spondylosis
- Trauma to Limbs
- Traumatic Paraplegia
- Tuberculosis
- Viral disease – precise diagnosis not specified
- Visual Disorders and Diseases
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