Boost Your Attendance Allowance- How Older People Could Get An Extra £146 Each Month

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that some people receiving Attendance Allowance may be eligible for an increase of up to £146 every month.

This comes as part of the DWP’s ongoing guidance to ensure claimants report any changes in their health or circumstances, which could mean they qualify for the higher rate of the benefit.

With nearly 1.7 million people across Great Britain claiming Attendance Allowance, and around 150,000 in Scotland receiving the equivalent Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), thousands of pensioners could boost their income significantly by checking their eligibility.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit designed to help older people with daily living costs.

It is paid to people of State Pension age (66 or above) who have a long-term disability or illness that requires help with personal care or supervision.

The money can be spent however the claimant chooses—on bills, personal care, taxis, or home support—and is aimed at helping people remain independent in their homes for longer.

How Much Can You Get?

Attendance Allowance is paid at two weekly rates:

• Lower rate: £73.90 per week (£295.60 every four weeks)
• Higher rate: £110.40 per week (£441.60 every four weeks)

If you are currently on the lower rate but your health needs have increased, you could move to the higher rate. This would give you an extra £36.50 per week—or £146 more every month.

Reporting a Change in Circumstances

Claimants are urged to contact the DWP if their health has deteriorated, or they require more support during the day or at night. Reporting these changes could make them eligible for the higher rate.

Situations to report include:

• Increased frequency or severity of care needs
• Hospital or care home stays (with full details)
• If a medical professional says you may have 12 months or less to live
• Moving abroad for more than four weeks
• Changes to personal or banking details
• A new or worsening health condition

Conditions Commonly Supported by Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance covers a wide range of health issues. The most common is arthritis, accounting for nearly one-third of claims. However, support is also provided for many other conditions.

Category	Examples of Conditions
Mobility & Joint Issues	Arthritis, back pain, spondylosis, trauma to limbs
Neurological Conditions	Parkinson’s, dementia, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease
Sensory Conditions	Blindness, deafness, severe vision impairment
Respiratory & Heart Conditions	Asthma, chronic chest disease, heart disease, vascular disease
Other Long-Term Illnesses	Diabetes, cancer, kidney disorders, bowel disease, mental health conditions

Attendance Allowance in Scotland

In Scotland, new claims for Attendance Allowance have been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), delivered by Social Security Scotland. Existing Attendance Allowance claimants will be transferred gradually to PADP by the end of 2025.

PADP follows the same payment structure as Attendance Allowance, and eligibility rules remain the same.

Why This Matters

• Claimants on the lower rate could boost their monthly income by £146.
• Attendance Allowance does not affect State Pension and can also increase entitlement to other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction.
• The benefit is not means-tested, meaning savings or other income do not affect eligibility.

For older people already receiving Attendance Allowance, reviewing their health needs and reporting changes to the DWP could mean an extra £146 every month.

With living costs rising, this additional support can make a real difference to everyday life, helping pensioners stay independent and financially secure.

FAQs