The top 10 conditions that could get extra £434 from DWP every month

New data from the Department for Work and Pensions has revealed that more than 1.6 million older people were claiming Attendance Allowance at the end of February. Attendance Allowance is worth either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week.

The benefit is usually paid every four weeks, which amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period - £5,644.60 over the 2024/25 financial year. The amount handed out by the DWP depends on the level of support needed.

It is designed to support people of State Pension age with daily living expenses and help them stay independent in their own home. But there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance.

READ MORE: Made in Chelsea's Georgia Toffolo engaged to millionaire boyfriend

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.

For anyone considering making a new application, guidance on GOV.UK states that the new online service will only accept a 'limited number of applications each week'. You cannot apply online using a mobile phone or tablet, Daily Record reports.

People can also apply through the post by printing and submitting the Attendance Allowance claim form found on GOV.UK here or by contacting the helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request one. The DWP updated guidance for those applying by post to remind claimants not to 'write anything except the Freepost address on the envelope'.

A postcode or a stamp is not needed. There are a number of conditions which are supported by Attendance Allowance.

The top 10 conditions account for 74 per cent of the total number of people receiving payments, according to data from the DWP's Attendance Allowance computer system. The main conditions and number of claimants across Great Britain are:

• Arthritis - 460,993
• Dementia - 167,366
• Heart Disease - 118,570
• Respiratory Conditions - 98,211
• Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints - 81,914
• Cerebrovascular Disease - 72,870
• Back Pain - 71,020
• Visual Disorders and Diseases - 49,677
• Parkinson’s - 42,695
• Neurological Conditions - 33,812

This list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance but is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. If you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself. It does not cover mobility needs.

You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.

Who can claim?

You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night - even if you don’t currently get that help.

This might include help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet. Or, help to stay safe.

You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks. This could be if tasks take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on.

Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness. You could also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:

• A mental health condition
• Learning difficulties
• A sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired

How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?

You could receive £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week. This comes to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period.

You can spend the money how you wish - it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer. This might include:

• Paying for taxis
• Helping towards bills
• Paying for a cleaner or gardener

Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?

You can - Attendance Allowance is not means-tested so it does not matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either.

It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you will not have money taken away from any other benefits.

Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?

No, it will n9oy affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money.

How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?

The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:

• Extra Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit Reduction
• Council Tax Reduction

How do I make a claim?

Complete a claim form when to apply for Attendance Allowance. You can get help from yout nearest Citizens Advice.

You can also follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?

If you are thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) straight away - you may be able to get more money.

Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?

You cannot get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead.

You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.

Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.