Two separate payments mean state pensioners with certain health conditions could earn an extra £485 a month.
State pensioners could be entitled to more if they have certain conditions (Image: Getty)
There are eight common health conditions that could mean state pensioners get an extra £458 per month. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently released figures that show nearly 1.7 million older people were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance at the end of November 2025. Meanwhile, data from Social Security Scotland shows that 185,895 people aged over 66 are receiving financial assistance through the benefit there, Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP).
Both benefits are worth up to either £76.70 or £114.60 per week. They are typically issued every four weeks, so this amounts to either £306.80 or £458.40 every payment period. However, the level of support you need will determine how much you get. Overall, the payment is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses, which can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer.
More than 45 conditions could qualify you for some form of payment under these two benefits. Attendance Allowance is designed for state pensioners in England and Wales, while PADP is for state pensioners in Scotland.
The most common condition for claimants is arthritis. Figures show that the benefit provides support for 503,389 people with arthritis across England and Wales.
The most common kinds of conditions that lead people to claim either Attendance Allowance or PADP are:
- Arthritis – 503,389
- Dementia – 173,231
- Heart Disease – 127,756
- Respiratory Conditions – 107,181
- Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints – 88,973
- Cerebrovascular Disease – 72,237
- Back Pain – 78,430
- Visual Disorders and Diseases – 49,546
Arthritis is one of the conditions that could mean you claim Attendance Allowance (Image: Getty)
Who should claim Attendance Allowance or PADP?
People usually claim either payment when they have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night.
This might include help with personal care, such as getting dressed, eating, drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering. You can also claim if you need help to stay safe.
Meanwhile, you could also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or a sensory condition (if you are deaf or visually impaired).
Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested, so it doesn’t matter how much you earn when looking to claim. It also won’t affect a person’s state pension.
Other benefits you get, including Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction, or a Council Tax Reduction, might get an increase in payments if you get Attendance Allowance.
There is a long form to fill out when seeking to claim Attendance Allowance, but help is available from Independent Age and Citizens Advice.