What Are the 56 Conditions that Qualify for Attendance Allowance

If you’ve been trying to understand what are the 56 conditions that qualify for Attendance Allowance, you’re definitely not alone. Many people across the UK search for clarity on this because the idea of a fixed list of “56 conditions” appears in news articles, social posts, and advice forums — but often without proper explanation. In this friendly guide, you’ll learn what Attendance Allowance really is, where this “56 conditions” idea actually comes from, and how to work out whether your health condition could qualify. You’ll also find a step-by-step application guide and tips to avoid the most common mistakes people make on the AA1 form, so you can apply with confidence.

What Is Attendance Allowance and Why Do People Mention ‘56 Conditions’?

How does Attendance Allowance work?

Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested disability benefit designed for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a physical or mental condition. It doesn’t matter what your income is, whether you work, or whether you already have savings — what matters is how your condition affects your day-to-day life.

You don’t need to be receiving actual hands-on care to qualify. You simply need to show that you need help, or that you need supervision to keep you safe. Many conditions can create these needs, which is why you may have heard about “lists” of qualifying health problems.

What does the DWP actually look at when assessing eligibility?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) doesn’t award Attendance Allowance based on diagnosis alone. They focus on care needs, which may be caused by hundreds of different conditions. Their assessment looks at things like:

• Do you need help washing or dressing?

• Do you need reminders to eat, drink, or take medication?

• Do you struggle with mobility or staying safe?

• Do you need someone nearby at night?

This means the name of your condition is only part of the story — the real test is how it affects you.

Does the DWP Officially List 56 Conditions That Automatically Qualify You?

Is there an official DWP diagnosis list?

No — the DWP does not publish an official list of conditions that automatically qualify someone for Attendance Allowance. This is different from what many people believe. The criteria are functional, not diagnostic: you can qualify even if your condition isn’t widely known or commonly discussed.

Where did the idea of 56 conditions come from?

The “56 conditions” originated from media reports, not from the DWP itself. Some newspapers analysed Freedom of Information data showing which conditions people most commonly had when they successfully claimed Attendance Allowance. They turned these into a summarised “list of conditions” — which is where the number 56 comes from.

So while these conditions are common among claimants, they aren’t a fixed or official list. You can still receive Attendance Allowance even if your condition isn’t one of the 56 that appeared in media reports.

What Are the 56 Conditions that Qualify for Attendance Allowance?

Below are grouped categories representing the types of conditions most frequently associated with Attendance Allowance claims. These are based on patterns seen in the media summaries but are not official DWP categories. They simply help you understand whether your condition is similar to those often linked to care needs.

Category	Example Conditions	How They May Affect Your Daily Care Needs
Mobility & Musculoskeletal Conditions	Arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis, joint disorders, chronic pain	These conditions can affect your ability to move safely, dress, stand, wash, or use the toilet. They often cause severe pain, stiffness, fatigue, balance problems, and difficulty performing daily tasks without support.
Neurological Conditions	Parkinson’s, MS, epilepsy, neuropathy, dementia, Alzheimer’s	Neurological issues may impact coordination, memory, mood, and decision-making. They can increase risks such as falls, confusion, wandering, seizures, or sudden weakness — leading to higher supervision needs.
Respiratory & Cardiovascular Conditions	COPD, asthma, angina, heart failure	These conditions limit stamina and mobility. Everyday activities like washing, moving around, climbing stairs, or preparing meals may leave you breathless or dizzy, creating a need for supervision or regular assistance.
Sensory Impairments	Hearing loss, sight loss, macular degeneration	Sensory loss affects communication and safely navigating environments. You may face risks like falls, misjudging distances, difficulty recognising hazards, or challenges completing daily tasks independently.
Mental Health & Cognitive Conditions	Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, memory impairment	These conditions can affect concentration, mood, motivation, self-care, and medication management. You may require reminders, supervision for safety, or help with daily routines.
Chronic & Degenerative Illnesses	Diabetes complications, cancer, autoimmune disorders	These illnesses often cause exhaustion, pain, weakness, or unpredictable symptoms. You might need help monitoring your condition, managing medication, or completing essential daily activities.

How Do You Know if Your Condition Qualifies for Attendance Allowance?

What daily living needs does the DWP assess?

The DWP evaluates how much help you need with personal care and safety supervision, not just what condition you have. If a health problem makes everyday tasks harder, your condition may qualify.

Do fluctuating or hidden conditions still qualify?

Yes — hidden disabilities like chronic fatigue or mental illness can qualify as long as they create care needs. You should describe both good days and bad days, especially if your symptoms vary.

How does supervision or safety risk affect your eligibility?

If you’re at risk of falls, confusion, wandering, forgetting medication, or harming yourself accidentally, you may qualify for Attendance Allowance even if you don’t need physical hands-on help.

What Care Needs Help You Qualify (Even if Your Condition isn’t on the List)?

What tasks must you struggle with to qualify?

Here are common care needs that strengthen your claim:

• Washing, showering, or bathing

• Getting dressed or undressed

• Moving around safely

• Preparing meals or drinks

• Taking medication correctly

• Managing memory lapses or confusion

• Needing support or supervision at night

Even one or two of these tasks may support your claim if they occur regularly.

How Much Can You Get From Attendance Allowance?

What are the two payment rates?

Below is a helpful table showing the current Attendance Allowance rates and examples of needs that typically match each tier:

What level of need qualifies for each rate?

It’s not about having a severe diagnosis — it’s about how your condition affects you most days. Here’s how the DWP usually interprets the two levels of need:

You might qualify for the Lower Rate if you:

• Need help with washing, dressing, or preparing meals

• Struggle to move around safely during the day

• Need supervision because of falls, confusion, or memory issues

• Need encouragement or reminders to manage tasks

• Require help at night occasionally, but not regularly

You might qualify for the Higher Rate if you:

• Need help or supervision several times during the day and during the night

• Wake frequently due to pain, anxiety, breathlessness, or toileting needs

• Need someone to check on you at night to keep you safe

• Have a condition that causes regular night-time confusion or wandering

• Qualify under the Special Rules because your condition is terminal

The DWP places a lot of weight on night-time needs, so if you frequently wake up disoriented, in pain, or needing help to move safely, this may point toward the higher rate.

How Do You Apply for Attendance Allowance?

What form do you need (AA1)?

To apply for Attendance Allowance, you’ll use the AA1 form, which you can either download online or request by phone from the DWP. This form is where you explain how your condition affects your daily life. Don’t worry — it’s normal to find it long or overwhelming at first, but taking your time makes a huge difference.

How do you explain your care needs effectively?

Here’s your step-by-step guide — one of the biggest competitor knowledge gaps:

1. Request the AA1 form or download it.

2. Gather information about your daily challenges, including notes from family.

3. Write down examples of when you struggled with tasks or needed help.

4. Explain what happens on a typical bad day.

5. Note any safety risks like falls or medication errors.

6. Include medical evidence, if available.

7. Send the form by recorded delivery.

What happens after you apply?

Once you send the AA1 form:

• The DWP reviews your answers.

• They may contact your GP for clarification.

• They usually do not ask for a face-to-face assessment.

• You’ll receive a decision letter explaining your award.

If you disagree with the decision, you can request a mandatory reconsideration, but many people receive the correct rate the first time if the form is filled in clearly and honestly.

What Evidence Helps Strengthen Your Application?

Do you need medical letters?

You don’t have to send medical evidence, but including it can strengthen your application — especially if your condition isn’t always visible or easy to explain. A simple GP note, consultant letter, or medication list can help the DWP understand your difficulties more accurately.

What supporting documents help your case?

Here’s a useful table showing what evidence to include and why:

Can You Still Claim Attendance Allowance if You Live Alone?

Why living alone does NOT disqualify you

Yes — you can absolutely claim Attendance Allowance if you live alone. Your eligibility is based on your care needs, not whether someone is physically there to help you. In fact, many people who live alone qualify because they are at greater risk when unsupported.

What examples help explain your situation?

You may qualify if:

• You’re at risk of falling when no one is around

• You forget medication or important tasks

• You feel unsafe using appliances alone

• You become confused or disoriented

• You struggle with washing, dressing, or moving safely

• You need someone to check on you at night

Living alone can actually highlight why Attendance Allowance is essential for maintaining your independence and safety.

Conclusion

So now you understand what are the 56 conditions that qualify for attendance allowance — or more accurately, why the idea of a fixed list is misleading. Your eligibility depends on how your condition affects your daily life, not whether it appears in a newspaper. If you need help or supervision regularly, you may qualify. With the right explanation, clear examples, and awareness of AA1 form mistakes, you can apply confidently and improve your chances of success.

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