Attendance Allowance helps people of state pension age with a long-term illness (Image: Runstudio via Getty Images)
Nearly 1.7 million older individuals on Attendance Allowance will witness a rise in weekly payments to either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) from April 7.
The benefit, which is not means-tested and tax-free, is issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) every four weeks, amounting to either £295.60 or £441.60 – some £5,740.80 over the 2025-26 financial year.
By the end of this year, the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) will replace Attendance Allowance for all claimants in Scotland. However, eligibility and payment rates will align with the DWP uprating.
Both the devolved payment and Attendance Allowance aim to assist people of state pension age with a long-term illness, disability or physical or mental health condition with additional daily living costs.
PADP will not include face-to-face assessments as part of the application process, unless requested by the claimant. The benefit has already replaced new claims for Attendance Allowance for pensioners living in Argyll and Bute, Highlands, Aberdeen City, Orkney and Shetland.
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Nearly 1.7 million Attendance Allowance claimants will receive up to £441 each month from April. (Image: Getty Images)
A further 13 council areas will launch PADP later this month with a full nationwide rollout starting in April – full details can be found here.
The amount someone receives for Attendance Allowance or PADP depends on the level of support needed and the benefit 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, reports the Daily Record.
It’s crucial to note that there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance or PADP.
Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP
The conditions listed below are sourced from information recorded on the DWP‘s Attendance Allowance computer system. PADP also supports people with these conditions.
Attendance Allowance payments depend on the kind of support needed (Image: Westend61 via Getty Images)
However, this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance or PADP, it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported.
If you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, click here to see the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance.
Main health conditions providing support to older people
Arthritis; spondylosis; back pain; disease of the muscles, bones or joints; trauma to limbs; visual disorders and diseases; hearing disorders; heart disease; respiratory disorders and diseases; asthma; cystic fibrosis; cerebrovascular disease; peripheral vascular disease; epilepsy; neurological diseases; multiple sclerosis; Parkinson’s disease; motor neurone disease; chronic pain syndromes; diabetes mellitus; metabolic disease; traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia; major trauma other than traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia; learning difficulties; psychosis; psychoneurosis; personality disorder; dementia; behavioural disorder; alcohol and drug abuse; hyperkinetic syndrome ;renal disorders; inflammatory bowel disease; bowel and stomach disease; blood disorders; haemophilia; multi-system disorders; multiple allergy syndrome; skin disease; malignant disease; severely mentally impaired; double amputee; deaf/blind; haemodialysis; frailty; total parenteral nutrition; AIDS; and infectious diseases: viral risease (Coronavirus Covid-19)
The guide below focuses on Attendance Allowance, but also applies to PADP. Click here for full details about PADP in Scotland.
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The payments are useful for those who need help with their personal care (Image: Getty)
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself – it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.
Who can claim?
You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if you don’t currently get that help.
This could encompass:
- Help with your personal care – for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
- Help to stay safe
You should also apply if you struggle with personal tasks, for instance, if they take a long time, cause pain, or require physical support like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn’t solely for individuals with a physical disability or illness.
Scottish pensioners on PADP will be paid the same as those in the rest of the UK (Image: Halfpoint Images via Getty Images)
You should also claim if you require assistance or supervision throughout the day or night and have a mental health condition, learning difficulties or a sensory condition (for instance, if you are deaf or visually impaired).
How much could I receive on Attendance Allowance?
You could receive either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week. This equates to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period. PADP in Scotland is paid at the same rate.
From April, those figures will increase to £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week; amounting to either £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period.
The money can be spent however you wish and it could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for longer. This could include covering taxi fares, contributing towards bills and paying for a cleaner or gardener.
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Claiming Attendance Allowance will not affect your state pension (Image: PeopleImages via Getty Images)
Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?
Yes. Attendance Allowance isn’t means tested, so it doesn’t matter what other income you have or how much you have saved – there’s no limit. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the benefit cap so you won’t have money deducted from any other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance impact my state pension?
No, it won’t. You can even claim it if you’re still employed and earning money.
How does Attendance Allowance influence other benefits?
Your other benefits might increase if you receive Attendance Allowance. These include Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction and Council Tax Reduction.
The price increases come into effect on April 7 (Image: Getty)
How do I submit a claim?
You will need to fill out a lengthy claim form when applying for Attendance Allowance. It may seem intimidating initially but assistance is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age.
Click here for complete details on how to obtain the application form by post or over the phone.
How to claim PADP
You can apply for PADP online, over the phone, or by post. Click here for full details can be found on the MyGov.scot website.
What happens if I am nearing state pension age?
If you are considering applying for Attendance Allowance as you approach state pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately – you could potentially receive more money.
If you reside in Scotland, you should apply for Adult Disability Payment – find out more here.
You can seek help from someone when applying for Attendance Allowance online (Image: Getty)
Who is ineligible to claim Attendance Allowance?
You won’t be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you already receive PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while receiving DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award instead.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the Gov.uk website.
