The DWP provides support for dozens of health conditions through Attendance Allowance - here's everything you need to know about who can claim and how much you could get.
People living with serious health conditions may be entitled to up to £441 per month in financial support from the UK Government. Those over State Pension age who suffer from certain heart-related conditions could qualify for Attendance Allowance, a benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Attendance Allowance is a monthly payment designed to help older individuals cover additional daily living expenses due to illness or disability. The goal is to support them in maintaining their independence and remaining in their own homes for longer.
According to recent DWP data, nearly 1.7 million people over the State Pension age are receiving Attendance Allowance to help manage health-related needs. This includes over 124,500 individuals dealing with heart conditions such as:
Angina
Coronary heart disease
Arrhythmia
High blood pressure
If your health condition affects your ability to carry out basic daily activities — like cooking, washing, dressing, or getting around — you may be eligible for this benefit.
Attendance Allowance is not limited to physical health conditions. You may be able to claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or at night because of:
A physical illness or disability
A mental health condition
Learning difficulties
A sensory impairment, such as being blind or deaf
You don’t need to be currently receiving help to apply — what matters is that you need assistance, even if you're not getting it yet.
You could be eligible if you need help with personal care tasks such as:
Dressing and undressing
Eating or drinking
Getting in or out of bed
Bathing or showering
Using the toilet
Staying safe (e.g., avoiding falls, managing medication)
Even if you can do these tasks yourself but they take a long time, cause pain, or require physical support (like leaning on furniture), you may still qualify.
Attendance Allowance is paid at two different rates depending on your needs:
£73.90 per week if you need help during the day or at night
£110.40 per week if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you're terminally ill
Since the benefit is paid every four weeks, this adds up to either:
£295.60 per month, or
£441.60 per month
The money is not means-tested — it won’t be affected by your income or savings, and you can spend it however you choose. For example, it can help pay for:
Taxis or transport
Household bills
Hiring help such as a cleaner or gardener
To apply for Attendance Allowance, you’ll need to fill out a claim form, which can be downloaded from the government’s website or requested by post. If the process seems overwhelming, you can get assistance from your local Citizens Advice or a welfare rights organization.
This financial support could make a real difference in managing your condition and maintaining your quality of life — so it’s worth checking if you or a loved one might qualify.
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