State pensioners living with one of nine common health conditions could receive an additional weekly payment of up to £76.70 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
People over State Pension age who need help or supervision because of a health condition may be able to claim Attendance Allowance to support their everyday living costs. The benefit is available to eligible pension-age residents in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the equivalent support is called Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), which is paid at the same rates. Both benefits have two payment levels, depending on the amount of care a person requires.
The lower rate is £76.70 a week for people who need assistance or supervision during the day, or supervision at night. The higher rate, worth £114.60 a week, is available to those who need help or supervision during both the day and night, or who have been told by a medical professional that they may be nearing the end of life. These rates amount to £3,988.40 and £5,959.20 a year respectively.
There is no fixed list of medical conditions that automatically qualifies someone for Attendance Allowance. However, the DWP holds a list of the main disabling conditions recorded on its Disability Living Allowance computer system, including the following nine common health conditions.
Having one of these conditions may mean you could qualify for a DWP payment of up to £76.70 a week. However, the list is not a formal eligibility checklist. It is intended only as a guide to the types of common health conditions for which support may be available.
