Nearly half a million people receive either £73.90 or £110.40 each week through Attendance Allowance.
Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible?
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now nearly half a million people across Great Britain receiving Attendance Allowance support for arthritis, making it the most-claimed health condition by people over State Pension age.
More than 44,455 older people in Scotland are currently receiving either £73.90or £110.40 each week, along with 1,786 living abroad. This tax-free benefit is not affected by savings or income and is paid every four weeks which means someone on the lower rate will receive £295.60 every pay period while those on the higher rate will receive £441.40.
It’s important to be aware that new claims for Attendance Allowance have now been replaced in Scotland with Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) – full details can be found here.
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Arthritis is the most common disabling condition – an umbrella term used by the DWP to cover a multitude of health conditions. The condition typically causes stiffness, swelling, pain and inflammation in a joint and accounts for more than one-third (35%) of all of the 1.7 million claims for Attendance Allowance.
Across Great Britain, an estimated 20m people have arthritis or other, similar conditions that affect the joints, so if you are living with arthritis, back, joint, muscle or chronic pain, you could be eligible for support from the DWP through the benefit.
People claiming Attendance Allowance for arthritis
There are now nearly 1.7m older people claiming Attendance Allowance across Great Britain including 149,997 living in Scotland.
The number of people claiming Attendance Allowance in August 2024:
- Scotland: 149,997
- England: 1,406,281
- Wales: 110,047
- Living abroad: 5,612
- Great Britain total: 1,672,590
Many more people may be entitled to Attendance Allowance but simply do not know enough about it to make a claim.
Below is an overview of what you should know about Attendance Allowance, including how to start your application. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
It is also worth considering making a claim for Attendance Allowance – or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) if you or a family member are below State Pension age. You can find out more about claiming PIP or ADP here.
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 might include:
- 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 have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn’t just for people with a physical disability or illness.
You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:
- a mental health condition
- learning difficulties
- a sensory condition – if you are deaf or visually impaired
How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?
You could receive £73.90 if you need help during the day or at night or £110.40 if you need help during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks , which means you could receive either £295.60 or £441.40 every pay period.
You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.
This might include:
- paying for taxis
- helping towards bills
- paying for a cleaner or gardener
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 money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either – there’s no limit. it is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won’t have money taken away from any other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?
No, it won’t affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you’re still working and earning money.
How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:
- Extra Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit Reduction
- Council Tax Reduction
How do I make a claim?
You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice, so don’t let the form put you off applying.
If you’d prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Full details on how to make a claim for PADP through Social Security Scotland can be found here.
What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?
If you are thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) straight away – you may be able to get more money.
Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?
You won’t be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually 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 here.
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Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment
Guidance on mygov.scot provides full details on who can claim, how to claim, additional help available, what happens after a claim is submitted and extra support for successful claimants. Find out more here.
You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both:
- Reached State Pension age (66)
- Had care needs during the day or night for 6 months or more because of a disability or health condition
You can still apply if:
- You have not had care needs for 6 months or more – your award will begin 6 months from when your care needs started if your application is successful
- You are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis
- You have a terminal illness – there is a separate fast-track application process if you’re terminally ill
It’s important to be aware you cannot get Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time. Existing claimants will automatically move to Pension Age Disability Payment – Social Security Scotland will do this and you will not have to do anything.
If you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you do not need to do anything. Your benefit will move to Social Security Scotland.
Payment rates for Pension Age Disability Payment
Social Security Scotland will provide Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance. It is also currently doing this for the devolved Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment.
The weekly payment rates for Attendance Allowance are:
- Lower rate – £73.90
- Higher rate – £110.40
How do I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment?
You can only apply for the new disability assistance benefit if it has opened in your area. You can check on the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here.
Anyone over State Pension age with a disability that means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP.
Get support making a claim from an independent advocate
Help is also available from the independent advocacy service VoiceAbility, which is funded by the Scottish Government, to help disabled people applying for devolved benefits.
It provides a free, nationwide advocacy service supporting disabled people to access Social Security Scotland benefits.
If you need an advocate, you should:
- contact Social Security Scotland for free on 0800 182 2222
- ask them to refer you to the Independent Advocacy Service
Full contact details can be found here.
