Millions of older people across Great Britain could be eligible for a significant increase in their monthly benefit payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
How to claim the higher Attendance Allowance rate
Recent DWP statistics from February 2025 show that more than 1.7 million individuals currently receive financial support through Attendance Allowance. This tax-free, non-means-tested benefit is designed to help older people with the extra costs of daily living, potentially allowing them to remain independent at home for longer.
The benefit is paid at two weekly rates: £73.90 or £110.40. As payments are typically made every four weeks, this translates to either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment cycle. For those currently on the lower rate, reporting a deterioration in health could mean an increase of £36.50 per week. Over a four-week period, this results in a substantial boost of £146, taking the total from £295.60 to £441.60.
When you must report a change to the DWP
Experts strongly advise claimants not to delay informing the DWP if their care needs have increased. The department's own guidance states that the amount you receive can go up or down if your circumstances change.
You should contact the DWP Attendance Allowance helpline if you experience any of the following:
- A change in your condition or the level of help you need each day or night.
- You are admitted to hospital or a care home.
- A medical professional indicates you may have 12 months or less to live.
- You plan to leave the country for more than four weeks.
- Changes to your personal details, such as your name, address, or bank account.
The support isn't just for physical disabilities. You should also consider reporting a change if you have increased needs due to a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or sensory impairments like sight or hearing loss.
What counts as needing more help?
You may qualify for the higher rate if you now need more frequent assistance or supervision. This includes help with personal care tasks such as dressing, washing, eating, or using the toilet. Needing help to stay safe, or finding that these tasks take much longer or cause significant pain, are also valid reasons to report a change.
While arthritis is the most commonly claimed condition—with around 508,964 people receiving support for it—nearly 50 different health issues are covered. These range from heart disease, dementia, and Parkinson's to conditions like chronic pain syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease, and terminal illness.
The benefit money can be spent as you see fit, helping to cover costs like taxi fares, utility bills, or paying for a cleaner or gardener to assist at home.
In Scotland, all new and existing claims for Attendance Allowance have now transitioned to the devolved Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), managed by Social Security Scotland, though the eligibility criteria and payment rates remain the same.
If you believe your needs have changed, you can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). Full details on how to report a change of circumstances are available on the GOV.UK website.
