Overview
- Official data show more than 1.7 million people receive Attendance Allowance, with 508,964 awards for arthritis, the largest single condition.
- The benefit pays £73.90 or £110.40 per week, is tax‑free and not means‑tested, is paid every four weeks (£295.60 or £441.60), and does not affect the State Pension.
- Guidance states payments can change or stop if circumstances are not reported, and giving wrong information can lead to penalties or court action.
- Claimants must notify the helpline on 0800 731 0122 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm) of changes such as hospital or care home stays, a different level of help needed, trips abroad over four weeks, imprisonment, personal or bank detail updates, doctor or immigration status changes, or a terminal prognosis.
- In Scotland, new claims run through Pension Age Disability Payment while existing awards move to Social Security Scotland by year‑end, and claimants should keep reporting changes to the DWP until their transfer completes.