Millions could be entitled to £407 if they have these 56 conditions

Attendance Allowance is one of the most under-claimed benefits in the UK, with as many as 3.4 million Brits eligible for the support failing to claim it.

It is granted to people aged 66 or over and suffering from a qualifying medical condition or disability that hinders their everyday tasks such as getting washed and dressed, preparing meals or eating or administering a prescribed medical treatment.

Qualifying conditions range from the ones causing discomfort to life-threatening ones, with Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Asthma and even COVID being on the list.

Meanwhile, you may also be eligible for £700 per month is you have any of these 20 health problems.

If you struggle with your mental health, you could get £691 every four weeks in financial support.

You can get this benefit if you suffer from one of 56 conditions

Millions of Brits are not aware that they could be claiming Attendance Allowance based on a medical condition. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) awards it to those whose daily activities are limited by a qualifying illness or disability.

The benefit is not means-tested and is intended to allow people a greater degree of independence and to live in their own homes for as long as possible without requiring institutional care.

To qualify for it, you must be at the state pension age or older and reside in England, Scotland or Wales.

The benefit is made available at two rates, depending on the severity of your needs and paid out every four weeks.

As of April 2023, the Standard rate is £68.10 a week / £272.40 per month; and a Higher rate is £101.75 a week / £407 per month.

Read more:

⋙ You could be eligible to get £691 if you have mental health issues

⋙ You may be eligible for £700 per month if you have any of these 20 health conditions

What illnesses qualify you for Attendance Allowance benefit?

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.

According to the DWP, there are 56 health conditions that might qualify you for monthly financial assistance. They range from arthritis, spondylosis and back pain to neurological conditions and alcohol and drug abuse.

A full list of illnesses is available here.

You do not need to require a full-time carer for the money to be awarded, just some form of assistance with routine chores.

You can find more information on eligibility here and access to the claim form here. You will need to print the latter off, complete it and send it off to the department at Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance.

For further assistance, you can call the DWP’s dedicated helpline on 0800 731 0122 from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

You may not be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you already receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment or the care component of Disability Living Allowance.

If you already have a carer and require substantial support, they might be entitled to Carer’s Allowance, about which you can find out more here.

For more information on Attendance Allowance and assistance with applying, please visit Citizens Advice.

Read more:

⋙ DWP announces major change for some claiming benefits: Check if you’re affected

⋙ Thousands of people on benefits warned of change in payment date this month: here's what to expect

Sources used:

- Independent: 'The 56 health conditions that could entitle you to £407 a month'