48 medical conditions eligible for Attendance Allowance
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently revealed that nearly 1.7 million people over State Pension age are claiming Attendance Allowance, a tax-free benefit designed to help cover the extra costs of living with a long-term illness or disability. In Scotland, it's also called Pension Age Disability Payment.
Despite the significant financial help on offer — up to £110.40 per week or £441.60 every four weeks — pension specialists say many people still don't realise they qualify.
Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis has been campaigning to get more people to see if they are eligible.
Important. Do you know (or are you) an ill or disabled person of state pension age?
Up to 1.1m people are missing out on a NON-MEANS tested min £3,500 a year Attendance Allowance.
Pls watch & spread word.
Courtesy of @itvMLshow pic.twitter.com/KCpaVhkpSz
"For many older people who are ill or start to face mental or physical disability, life doesn't just get tougher, it gets costlier too," he says.
"Add to that the fact people's conditions can make it more difficult to spend the time and energy needed to research possible help. That's why 18 months ago we launched our Attendance Allowance (AA) guide and awareness campaign, and successes have flooded in since. Yet it still remains massively underclaimed, with potentially a million eligible pensioners missing out (source: Policy in Practice).
"So whether it's you or someone close to you who may qualify, take 2mins to read what the team and I have put below, starting with some inspiration on the domino effect Attendance Allowance can have (in this case for lower-income pensioners)."
The list of conditions that qualify for Attendance Allowance includes 48 common illnesses and disorders. These range from arthritis, back pain and frailty to serious neurological conditions like Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis. Mental health conditions, visual and hearing impairments, and cognitive disorders such as dementia are also included.
Spencer Churchill Claims Advice deals with this issue. Their spokesperson says: 'Conditions like arthritis, heart disease, dementia, and Parkinson's are among the most commonly supported under Attendance Allowance — yet too many older people assume they won't qualify or worry that having savings will disqualify them. That's simply not the case.
'We regularly speak with pensioners who've struggled in silence for years, not realising they were missing out on thousands of pounds annually.
'A successful claim for Attendance Allowance can be life-changing — easing financial pressure and helping people maintain independence in their own homes.'
The list of conditions, according to Spencer Churchill Claims, includes:
You can apply for Attendance Allowance online here at Gov.uk or by post. Or, if you're in Scotland apply here.
To apply, you'll need:
Recommended reading:
Unlike many other benefits, Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, meaning it is available regardless of a person's income, savings, or assets. It also doesn't affect a person's State Pension, and claiming it may boost entitlement to other financial help, including Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction.
This is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit that can make a real difference to someone's quality of life. Whether you need help during the day, at night, or both — if your condition affects your ability to care for yourself, it's worth checking your eligibility.
Many eligible people either don't apply or are put off by the lengthy claim form — but support is available through organisations like Citizens Advice, and the potential rewards are considerable.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
How long PIP payments last and people likely to receive just a 'light touch' review
More than 3.7 million people are claiming PIP in Great Britain and there are six types of claimants who are more likely to have had a disability benefit award for five years or more The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that over 3.7 million people across Great Britain are now claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP), marking a record high in disability benefits for working-age individuals, with reforms set to take place next year. Social Security Scotland's recent data indicates that as of the end of April, approximately 476,295 individuals were receiving Adult Disability Payments (ADP), the devolved benefit that has superseded all new claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland. However, those applying for PIP or ADP may not realise that the duration of a successful award can vary. The shortest award lasts nine months, while the longest is an ongoing award with a 'light touch' review every 10 years. Over 65% of individuals claiming PIP for a visual disease have been granted an award for five years or more. While more than half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have received a longer award, along with 49.5% of individuals with a neurological condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. For those considering making a new claim for PIP, or Adult Disability Payment, it's crucial to understand that award lengths vary and can last between nine months and up to 10 years, however, DWP data only records awards given up to 'five years or longer'. The latest version of the PIP Handbook explains that the decision maker will award PIP based on how the claimant's health condition or disability affects their daily life and their ability to live independently. It further states: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances." It's crucial to note that the DWP guidance also indicates most claimants will have their award regularly reviewed, "regardless of the length of the award" to ensure "everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support". Some claimants will receive a limited term award for a fixed period of up to two years - the DWP says these awards will not be reviewed, reports the Daily Record. Limited awards with no review date are given where the claimant's health condition may be reasonably expected to improve. Ongoing awards with a 'light touch' review A 'light touch' review is typically awarded to claimants who have: very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time. high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse. a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age. a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age. The DWP guidance states: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review." The annual increase of 1.7% will see people on disability benefits receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week during the 2025/26 financial year - some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Over the next year, this will see people on the highest awards receive an extra £9,747 in cash assistance. It's crucial to understand that the maximum sum of £749.80 is based on an individual receiving the highest award for both daily living and mobility components. Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer It's vital to note that individuals with varying health conditions can be granted PIP for up to five years or more. The award is determined by how the condition impacts the claimant. The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of April 2025. Visual disease 58,539 38,112 Musculoskeletal disease (general) 697,476 365,238 52% Neurological disease 472,121 252,214 Respiratory disease 137,957 66,647 Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) 19,921 9,310 Musculoskeletal disease (regional) 440,684 202.317 46% Total number of PIP claimants 3,744,671 1,631,688 44% Below is a summary of PIP and ADP. Although new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Comprehensive guidance on ADP can be found on the website here. Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP? To qualify for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months. expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months. You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to the above, if you require assistance due to your condition with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. eating, drinking or preparing food washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence dressing and undressing talking, listening, reading and understanding managing your medicines or treatments making decisions about money mixing with other people working out a route and following it physically moving around leaving your home Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the website. The DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will examine each task in detail: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment How are PIP and ADP paid? PIP and ADP are typically paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. Payments will be directly deposited into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. PIP and ADP payment rates 2025/26 An assessment will determine the level of financial aid you will receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP consists of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you receive one or both of these and the amount depends on the severity of your condition's impact on you. Depending on your circumstances, you will be paid the following amounts per week: Daily living Standard: £73.90 Enhanced: £110.40 Mobility Standard: £29.20 Enhanced: £77.05 How you are assessed An independent healthcare professional will assess you to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are available, along with video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's crucial to note that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is most suitable for each claimant. Adult Disability Payment assessments will not require face-to-face assessments, unless this is the claimant's preference. Wondering how to make a claim for PIP? You can initiate a new claim by getting in touch with the DWP, all the necessary information you need to apply can be found on the website here. Before you ring up, ensure you have: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this can be found on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code the name, address and telephone number of your doctor or health worker dates and addresses for any periods you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital How to apply for ADP Individuals can apply for ADP over the phone, by post or in-person. To learn more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on here or ring Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
People with IBS and other stomach issues could be due up to £749 each month
More than 36,300 people are claiming PIP or ADP for gastrointestinal conditions including Crohn's, Colitis and Coeliac disease. An estimated 50,000 people in Scotland are living with long-term bowel conditions, commonly referred to as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which inflame the gut. However, many people may not be aware that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Adult Disability Payment (ADP) could provide extra financial support to help with the extra costs of living with a gastrointestinal health condition such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), hernia, constipation and Coeliac disease. The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of April, more than 36,300 people across Great Britain were claiming PIP for a gastrointestinal health condition. A successful claim for PIP or ADP is worth between £29.20 and £187.45 each week in additional financial support and as the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £116.80 and £749.80 every pay period. Below is the list of 25 gastrointestinal conditions being supported through PIP and ADP to help with either daily living, mobility needs or a combination of both components. It's important to be aware that PIP and ADP support over 500 health conditions, but the list is not final, so if you have a condition that isn't shown here, don't be put off making a claim as there is also an 'unknown' category. Diseases of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum Hiatus hernia / gastroesophageal reflux disease / reflux oesophagitis Oesophageal varices Oesophagus, stomach and duodenum - Other diseases of / type not known Peptic ulcer (gastric and duodenal)/gastritis Diseases of the small bowel Coeliac disease Small bowel - Other diseases of / type not known Inflammatory bowel disease Crohn's disease Ulcerative colitis Diseases of the colon Colon - Other diseases of / type not known Constipation Diverticular disease / diverticulitis Diseases of the rectum and anus Anorectal abscess Fistula in anus Haemorrhoids Rectal prolapse Rectum/anus - Other diseases of / type not known Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Benign tumours of the gastrointestinal tract Abdominal hernias Hernia Congenital disorders of the GI tract Cleft lip Cleft lip with cleft palate Hirschsprung Disease Tracheo-oesophageal fistula/atresia Other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract Attention to artificial opening colostomy/ileostomy/ stoma - no underlying diagnosis Gastrointestinal tract - Other diseases of / type not known If you need additional support to cover the costs of daily living or mobility needs due to a mental health condition, it may be worthwhile considering making a new claim for PIP or ADP. Even though new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Full guidance on ADP can be found on the website here. Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP? To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. preparing, cooking or eating food managing your medication washing, bathing or using the toilet dressing and undressing engaging and communicating with other people reading and understanding written information making decisions about money planning a journey or following a route moving around There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the website here. DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment How are PIP and ADP paid? PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. PIP and ADP payment rates You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP is made up of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 How you are assessed You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware that the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here. Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant - find out more about the changes here. How do you make a claim for PIP? You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the website here. Before you call, you will need: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital How to apply for ADP People can apply for ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
DWP can pay up to £749 a month if you are diagnosed with one of five conditions
The DWP has said demand for PIP has now reached "unprecedented levels of new claims in recent quarters" as 210,000 applications were received between January 31 and April 30 The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could potentially provide individuals with up to £749 a month if they have one of five eligible conditions for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The value of a successful PIP award ranges between £116.80 and £749.80 every four weeks. PIP is a benefit designed to assist with additional living costs for those who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, and struggle with certain daily tasks or mobility due to their condition. The DWP has reported that demand for PIP has hit "unprecedented levels of new claims in recent quarters", with 210,000 applications received between January 31 and April 30. This surge follows DWP data showing that over 3.7 million people across Great Britain are now receiving extra financial support through Personal Independence Payment - a 2% increase since January (80,127), the Daily Record reports. The DWP data also reveals that 37% of all claims entitled to PIP receive the highest level of award, with both daily living and mobility components received at the enhanced rate, maintaining the same proportion as January 2025. Number of PIP claimants - April 2025 England and Wales - 3,735,942 Living Abroad - 2, 235 Scotland - 2,969 (476,295 claiming ADP) Unknown - 3,521 Total - 3,744,671 As of the end of April, PIP and ADP - the disability benefit that has replaced PIP in Scotland - were providing financial support to 4,220,966 people. Of the 200,000 new claims processed over a three-month period, 7% were awarded for up to two years, 12% were longer term (over 2 years), and 7% were ongoing. The five most commonly claimed PIP health conditions The top five recorded disabling conditions for claims under standard rules are: Psychiatric disorders - 1,444,016 claimants Musculoskeletal disease (general) - 707,084 claimants Neurological disease - 476,659 Musculoskeletal disease (regional) - 447,794 claimants Respiratory disease - 138,428 claimants PIP and ADP offer weekly support ranging from £29.20 to £187.45, equating to £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Both disability benefits aim to assist individuals with the extra costs associated with living with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition. Many individuals may not realise that PIP and ADP can provide support for hundreds of health conditions. Both benefits could aid people with daily living tasks or mobility, or both. However, it wouldn't be beneficial to list all 536 conditions noted by DWP during the PIP application process as an award for the disability benefit is determined by how a person's health condition impacts their ability to perform daily living tasks such as cooking, washing, eating, dressing and interacting with others in a safe and timely manner. There are also awards available for those who have difficulty moving around. This means that each PIP claim is unique to the applicant, which could also assist individuals considering making a new claim to initiate the process. PIP cannot be backdated, but payments commence from the date the claim was lodged, to account for the processing time at the DWP. Disabilities recorded by DWP These are the primary disability categories, the overarching term under which more than 530 other conditions fall. This list is merely a snapshot of conditions, disorders and diseases and how the DWP categorises the main disabilities being claimed for. Haematological Disease Infectious disease Malignant disease Metabolic disease Psychiatric disorders Neurological disease Visual disease Hearing disorders Cardiovascular disease Gastrointestinal disease Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract Skin disease Musculoskeletal disease (general) Musculoskeletal disease (regional) Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) Genitourinary disease Endocrine disease Respiratory disease Multisystem and extremes of age Diseases of the immune system Unknown or missing Who could qualify for PIP? To qualify for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months You typically need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we've outlined above, if you receive or require assistance with any of the following due to your condition, you should contemplate applying for PIP: preparing, cooking or eating food managing your medication washing, bathing or using the toilet dressing and undressing engaging and communicating with other people reading and understanding written information making decisions about money planning a journey or following a route moving around There are different rules if you are terminally ill, these can be found on the website. DWP will evaluate how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will examine: Whether you can do it safely How long it takes you How often your condition affects this activity Whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment You will require an assessment to determine the level of financial aid you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP consists of two components Daily living Mobility Whether you receive one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances. Daily Living: Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility: Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 Article continues below For more information or to make a claim, visit the website. PIP and Adult Disability Payment are currently providing financial assistance to over 3.7 million people across Great Britain.
