Over 1.6 million individuals are already receiving Attendance Allowance, a benefit designed to assist disabled people in affording care or accommodations that enable them to maintain their independence beyond the State Pension age. The allowance offers two rates, £73.90 or £110.40 per week, which can accumulate to a total of £441.60 each month.

As of the end of August last year, some of the most frequently claimed conditions for Attendance Allowance were bone-related. This included arthritis, with 47% of these awards lasting for five years or more, and spondylosis, chronic wear and tear of the spine causing neck pain, of which 48% of claims lasted more than five years.

The has highlighted some of the most common ailments making people eligible for this benefit in the long-term, according to the latest figures from the DWP.

General back pain with an unspecified diagnosis was award long-term claims 43% of the time while other diseases of the muscles, bones, or joints had a 40% long-term award rate. Other common conditions qualifying for this long-term benefit included:

• Traumatic Paraplegia - 54%
• Tuberculosis - 53%
• Multiple Sclerosis - 52%
• Neurological Diseases - 50%
• Heart Disease - 50%
• Learning Difficulties - 48%
• Personality Disorder - 48%
• Asthma - 47%
• AIDS - 47%
• Major Trauma Other than Traumatic/Paraplegia - 45%
• Epilepsy - 44%
• Psychosis - 44%
• Multiple Allergy Syndrome - 44%
• Hearing Disorders - 42%
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease - 42%
• Visual Disorders and Diseases - 41%
• Multi System Disorders - 41%
• Chronic Pain Syndromes - 39%
• Diabetes Mellitus - 39%
• Blood Disorders - 39%
• Metabolic Disease - 38%
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse - 37%
• Respiratory Disorders and Diseases - 33%
• Motor Neurone Disease - 32%
• Parkinsons - 30%
• Behavioral Disorder - 28%
• Cystic Fibrosis - 27%
• Renal Disorders - 26%
• Dementia - 20%

Longer awards are typically given to lifelong and degenerative conditions that are unlikely to change. On the other hand, shorter benefit awards might be given to people if their condition is expected to improve.

Attendance Allowance is offered at two different rates. A higher rate of £110.40 is available for those who require assistance or supervision both day and night, while a lower rate of £73.90 is available for those who need half the amount of help, such as only needing supervision during the night.

Despite its name, it's crucial to understand that you don't need to have a carer or attendant to claim this benefit. You only need to demonstrate that you would require this type of help or supervision due to your condition.

The funds can be utilised to purchase equipment or make modifications to your home, enabling you to maintain independence for a longer period and avoid the need for care. For instance, purchasing mobility aids could negate the need to hire a carer for assistance with movement.