DWP £108 per Week for State Pensioners: If you’re over State Pension age and living with a long-term health condition or disability, you may be eligible to receive up to £108.55 per week in financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This benefit, known as Attendance Allowance, is designed to help cover extra costs for those who require assistance with personal care or need supervision due to a health-related condition.
With an ageing population and growing awareness of support programs, more pensioners than ever are applying for this crucial benefit. However, many still miss out due to lack of information or misunderstandings about eligibility. In this detailed guide, we break down everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance in 2025, including eligibility requirements, payment rates, conditions that commonly lead to claims, and how to apply successfully.
DWP £108 per Week for State Pensioners
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit Name | Attendance Allowance |
| Governing Body | Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) |
| Weekly Payment | £73.90 (lower rate), £110.40 (higher rate) |
| Annual Value | Up to £5,740.80 per year |
| Eligibility Age | 66 and older (State Pension age) |
| Application Method | Post or phone request via GOV.UK |
| Most Common Conditions | Arthritis, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke, Respiratory Illnesses |
| Replaced Benefit in Scotland | Pension Age Disability Payment |
| Means-Tested? | No – it is tax-free and not based on income or savings |
Attendance Allowance is a highly valuable benefit for older people dealing with the challenges of aging, illness, or disability. With no income or savings test, it’s an accessible source of support for those who need extra help to live independently. Given how many people unknowingly miss out on this financial assistance, it’s vital to spread awareness and encourage those who may qualify to apply as soon as possible.
You could receive up to £110.40 per week, amounting to more than £5,700 annually. If you or someone you care about needs help with daily activities or supervision, now is the time to check eligibility and take the next steps. To apply, visit gov.uk/attendance-allowance or call 0800 731 0122.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit paid by the UK Government through the DWP. It is aimed at helping older adults who have a physical or mental disability and require assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, or moving around.
It comes in two rates:
- Lower Rate (£73.90/week): For individuals who need frequent help or supervision during either the day or night.
- Higher Rate (£110.40/week): For individuals who need help or supervision during both day and night, or who are terminally ill.
The benefit is tax-free, and it does not impact your savings or income. You can receive Attendance Allowance on top of your pension and any other benefits you currently receive.
Who Can Claim Attendance Allowance?
To qualify, you must:
- Be of State Pension age (66 years and older).
- Have a disability or health condition that requires support with daily tasks or supervision.
- Have needed help for at least six months, unless you’re terminally ill.
- Reside in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis, nor do you need to have a carer helping you daily. What matters is your need for care or supervision, not whether you’re currently receiving it.
Conditions That Make Up the Majority of Claims
As per DWP statistics, more than 75% of Attendance Allowance claims are linked to just five main categories of medical conditions:
1. Arthritis – 29% of claims
This includes both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. These conditions impact mobility and joint function, causing chronic pain, stiffness, and a reduced ability to carry out daily tasks such as dressing or preparing meals.
2. Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease – 15%
Progressive memory loss and impaired judgment mean many people with dementia need constant supervision to remain safe.
3. Neurological Conditions – 13%
This includes illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Motor Neurone Disease. These conditions often lead to progressive disability, fatigue, and difficulty moving or speaking.
4. Cerebrovascular Disease – 10%
Mainly strokes or complications following strokes. This can result in partial paralysis, speech issues, or loss of motor skills.
5. Respiratory Conditions – 8%
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and bronchitis fall into this category. Breathing difficulties often necessitate monitoring, medication, and physical assistance.
Other conditions include heart disease, cancer (especially for those undergoing palliative care), mental health disorders, and sensory impairments like blindness or deafness.
How to Apply For DWP £108 per Week for State Pensioners
- Obtain a Claim Form: You can request the Attendance Allowance form (AA1) in one of two ways
- Call the DWP: 0800 731 0122
- Visit Online: https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance
- The form comes with detailed guidance notes. Make sure to read them carefully before completing the form.
- Complete the Form Thoroughly: Focus on how your condition affects your ability to,
- Wash and bathe
- Get dressed and move around your home
- Use the toilet
- Eat or cook meals
- Take medication or manage health needs
- Stay safe during the day or night
- You should describe bad days rather than good days. Include every limitation, even if it seems minor.
- Provide Supporting Information: You can include,
- Doctor’s notes or hospital reports
- A list of medications
- Statements from carers, friends, or family
- These documents help build a stronger case.
- Return the Form by Post: Send the completed form to the address provided. Make copies for your records.
- Await a Decision: It usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to receive a response. If approved, payments will be backdated to the date the form was requested.
What the Money Can Help With
There are no restrictions on how you use Attendance Allowance. Common uses include:
- Hiring a private carer
- Installing mobility aids (grab rails, stairlifts)
- Paying for transportation (taxis, community buses)
- Getting help with cleaning, gardening, or shopping
- Managing utility costs for heating or medical equipment
Some recipients use the funds to remain independent longer, delaying the need to move into residential care.
Differences in Scotland: Pension Age Disability Payment
In Scotland, Attendance Allowance is being phased out and replaced by the Pension Age Disability Payment, administered by Social Security Scotland. It provides similar financial assistance but uses a person-centred approach to decision-making, with more localised support and face-to-face options.
All existing Attendance Allowance recipients will be transferred automatically. For more details, visit mygov.scot.
Real-Life Success Story: Margaret’s Journey
Margaret, 72, from Birmingham, had suffered for years with severe arthritis in her knees and hands. Simple tasks like opening jars, turning taps, or using stairs had become challenging. She needed help bathing and cooking but didn’t have a live-in carer.
After being encouraged by her daughter to apply for Attendance Allowance, Margaret completed the form with detailed explanations of her daily struggles. Within 8 weeks, she was awarded the higher rate. She now uses the benefit to pay for a part-time carer three times a week and recently installed a stairlift to improve her mobility.
Margaret says, “It’s made a huge difference to my dignity and independence.”
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Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
- Downplaying your condition: Be honest and detailed.
- Leaving out variable symptoms: Note fluctuations and bad days.
- Skipping mental health needs: Anxiety and depression can also affect daily living.
- Missing the form deadline: Return the form within 6 weeks of requesting it.
If rejected, you can request a mandatory reconsideration or appeal the decision.
Other Benefits Triggered by Attendance Allowance
Receiving Attendance Allowance can unlock additional financial support, such as:
- Pension Credit top-ups
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Carer’s Allowance for those looking after you for 35+ hours per week
- Cold Weather Payments
You can use the Entitledto Benefits Calculator to explore your full benefit entitlements.
FAQs On DWP £108 per Week for State Pensioners
Q1: Can I claim Attendance Allowance and PIP together?
No. Attendance Allowance is for those over State Pension age. PIP is for people under pension age.
Q2: Can I apply without a formal diagnosis?
Yes. You just need to show how your condition affects your life, even if undiagnosed.
Q3: Do I need a carer to qualify?
No. You don’t need to have someone helping you — only a need for help.
Q4: Is Attendance Allowance backdated?
Yes, from the date the form was requested, not the date you sent it back.
Q5: Is the benefit taxable or affected by savings?
No. It’s tax-free and doesn’t affect your savings or other benefit eligibility.
Q6: Can I still receive Attendance Allowance if I move into a care home?
Yes, but only if you’re paying for your own care. If the local authority funds your care, the benefit usually stops.
