Latest news with #PensionAgeDisabilityPayment
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Older people with eyesight issues could be due up to £441 extra every month
Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment can provide financial support for people who are severely short-sighted or have eye conditions. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? An estimated two million people across Great Britain are living with eyesight issues or a degenerative eye condition. Over 58,900 working age adults under 65 are receiving extra financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), while more than 50,000 people over State Pension age are getting regular payments through Attendance Allowance. It's important for people over 66 in Scotland to be aware they can no longer make a new claim for Attendance Allowance and must apply for a new devolved payment instead. Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) provides the same financial support as Attendance Allowance, but is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland - full details here. Three out of four people with a visual impairment are aged over 65 with around 8,000 people of working age registered blind or partially sighted. For adults who lose their sight in later life, it can be very distressing as they feel they are no longer able to enjoy some of the activities they love to do, such as driving, taking part in sports, reading and cooking. Mobility can also be affected and with that may come independence and travel issues, although it's important to be aware that the dedicated disability benefit for people over State Pension age - Attendance Allowance - does not include a component for mobility needs. Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It currently provides extra financial support to over 1.6 million people across Great Britain, including 149,997 living in Scotland. Pension Age Disability Payment is now supporting 1,875 older people in Scotland. Both benefits are designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses and can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer. Older people claiming Attendance Allowance for sight loss conditions The latest DWP figures show that in August 2024 there were 50,993 people receiving either £73.90 or £110.40 each week for a 'Visual Disorder or Disease'. This overall figure includes claimants in: Scotland: 4,654 England: 42,934 Wales: 4,654 Living Abroad: 149 Total: 50,993 Common eye conditions affecting older people There are over 45 eye conditions affecting adults across the country, these include: Cataract Myopia (short-sightedness) Macular Degeneration - Wet and Dry (also referred to as age-related MD) Glaucoma Retinitis Pigmentosa Retina and optic nerve - other diseases of / type not known Diabetic Retinopathy (a condition that can cause vision loss in people with diabetes) If you, or someone you know, under State Pension age has a sight condition, you should consider making a new claim for PIP or ADP - find out more here. If you, or someone you know, is over State Pension age and living with a sight condition, even really high myopia (short sightedness), you should consider making a claim for Attendance Allowance. Sight loss conditions These are common health issues affecting eyesight that are being supported through disability benefits, but if your condition is not listed, it doesn't mean it's not supported. Diseases of conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus Conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus - Other diseases of / type not known Corneal ulceration Entropion Herpes zoster - ophthalmic Keratitis Keratoconus Orbital cellulitis Ptosis Scleritis Uveitis Anterior Uveitis (iritis) Chorioretinal disorders - Other / type not known Posterior (choroiditis) Glaucoma Visual injuries to the eye Vitreous disease Posterior vitreous detachment Vitreous disease - Other / type not known Vitreous haemorrhage Diseases of the retina and optic nerve Diabetic retinopathy Hypertensive retinopathy Macular degeneration Optic atrophy Optic neuritis Retina and optic nerve - Other diseases of / type not known Retinal artery occlusion Retinal detachment Retinal vein occlusion Retinitis Pigmentosa Retinopathy - Other / type not known Cataract Refractive errors Astigmatism Hypermetropia (long-sighted) Myopia (short-sighted) Presbyopia Refractive errors - Other / type not known Disorders of eye movement Eye movement - Other disorders of / type not known Nystagmus Strabismus (Squint) Visual field defects Amblyopia Cortical blindness Diplopia (double vision) Hemianopia Quadrantanopia Scotoma Tunnel vision Visual field defects - Other / type not known Below is an overview of the benefit and how to make a new claim to DWP. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the website here. Full details about Pension Age Disability Payment can be found 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 claim. Who can make a claim? You should consider applying 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 do not 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 consider applying 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 is not just for people with a physical disability or illness. You should also consider claiming 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 blind How much could I get on Attendance Allowance? You could get either £73.90 or £110.40 per week depending on the level of care you need because of your condition, which is paid every four weeks and works out at £296.60 and £441.60 respectively. 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 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's tax-free and you'll 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 website here. What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age? If you're thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming PIP straight away. If you claim PIP and get it, the amount you get will depend on your circumstances and how your disability or illness affects you. Find out more about claiming PIP on the website here. Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance? You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you have a Scottish postcode, you need to claim PADP from Social Security Scotland - full details here. You won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or 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.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Pensioners claiming new health benefit could get payment decision in six days
Pension Age Disability Payment has replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance in Scotland. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? New figures from Social Security Scotland show there were 1,875 people over 66 receiving Pension Age Disability Payments (PADP), the new devolved benefit that has now replaced all claims for Attendance Allowance north of the border. People of State Pension age with a disability, long-term illness or health condition could be eligible for the lower rate of £73.90 if they need help during the day or at night, or the higher rate of £110.40, if they need help during the day and at night, or if they are terminally ill. For anyone thinking about making a new claim, the latest data indicates the average processing time - from point of application to decision award letter - is currently six working days. For those applying with a terminal illness it is one working day. This means people submitting a new claim this week could receive a letter or an email before next weekend. However, it's important to be aware that complex cases may take longer and as awareness about the new benefit grows, that timeframe will undoubtedly increase. Insights from Social Security Scotland also shows the most common age of claimants is currently over 75. It also reveals that of the 2,575 applications processed - with a decision made by April 30 - 77 per cent were authorised, 11 per cent were denied and 11 per cent were withdrawn. Most successful applicants received the higher rate. Of all authorised applications, 79 per cent were awarded the higher level of 110.40 per week and 21 per cent were awarded the lower level of £73.90 over the period to 30 April 2025. 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. It's important to note 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. However, if you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the website here. Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain 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 Parkinsons 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 Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19 The Scottish Government said PADP has been designed with the help of people who will be eligible for the benefit and those who support them. Improvements include a streamlined process for people to nominate a third party representative who can support them to communicate with Social Security Scotland. A fast-track process will be put in place for applicants diagnosed with a terminal illness. As already mentioned, this takes just one working day on average to process. Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment Guidance on 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 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.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Pensioners with long-term health issues urged to claim new devolved benefit
Claims for Attendance Allowance have now been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? Pensioners in Scotland are being urged to contact a charity for help claiming a new disability benefit only available to people over 66 living north of the border. Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland and replaces new claims for Attendance Allowance. Existing Attendance Allowance claimants will continue to receive payments of up to £441.60 every four-week payment period from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) until their award transfers to the devolved IT system before the end of this year. National advice agency Advice Direct Scotland said households should not be concerned by the switch from Attendance Allowance to PADP as there will be no break in payments - worth either £75.90 or £110.40 each week. However, any changes in circumstances should continue to be reported to DWP until the migration has been completed. The charity, which handles more than 900,000 inquiries a year, can help people of State Pension age with a disability, long-term illness or health condition, make a new claim for PADP or answer queries on the move from Attendance Allowance. Rebecca Fagan, benefit and welfare information officer at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'This is essentially a rebranding of an existing benefit, in this case, Attendance Allowance. While the name and handling are changing, the support remains the same. 'We understand that these changes can cause concern for some people who fear they may lose out. It's crucial that older people who are disabled, terminally ill, or have care needs continue to receive the financial support necessary to maintain their well-being, safety, and dignity. 'The Pension Age Disability Payment will be a vital source of assistance for those with long-term health conditions. With the rising cost of living and increasing bills, it's more important than ever that older people access all available financial aid. 'If you're uncertain about your eligibility or need help with an application, our team at is here to offer free, confidential support.' The Pension Age Disability Payment is available to people of State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe. It is also available to pensioners who are terminally ill. It is the 15th benefit now managed by the Scottish Government through Social Security Scotland. Scots can check their eligibility and apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment on the website here. The team can be reached at 0808 800 9060, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, or through their website at Advice Direct Scotland also provides an online benefits calculator to help people assess their entitlement to both devolved and reserved benefits. You can check for unclaimed benefits or discounts here. 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.
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Pensioners with long-term health conditions could be due up to £5,740 this year
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit worth either £73.90 or £110.40 each week. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of August 2024, nearly 1.7 million older people were claiming Attendance Allowance, including 150,000 living in Scotland. The tax-free benefit is not means-tested and worth either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week during the 2025/26 financial year. Attendance Allowance is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period - some £5,740.80 during the 2025/26 financial year. How much someone receives 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. It's important to be aware there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance. Attendance Allowance changes in Scotland Older people living in Scotland can no longer claim Attendance Allowance and need to claim the new devolved benefit, Pension Age Disability Payment. The benefit follows the same eligibility criteria and payment award scale as DWP, but is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland. Full details on the benefit can be found on here. Number of Attendance Allowance claimants - August 2024 The number of older people receiving payments includes: Scotland - 149,997 England - 1,406,281 Wales - 110,047 Living abroad - 5,912 Total - 1,672,590 Support for people with health conditions The benefit supports people with a disability, long-term illness and mental or physical health issues. The list of conditions supported through Attendance Allowance is long, but the most common disabling condition - an umbrella term used by the DWP - is arthritis, which provides support for 483,376 people across Great Britain, including 44,455 in Scotland. It's important to note that this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. However, if you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance on the website here. The figures below show the percentage of people claiming for health issues related to these 48 conditions: Arthritis - 47% Spondylosis - 48% Back Pain - Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified - 43% Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints - 40% Trauma to Limbs - 36% Visual Disorders and Diseases - 41% Hearing Disorders - 42% Heart Disease - 50% Respiratory Disorders and Diseases - 33% Asthma - 47% Cystic Fibrosis - 27% Cerebrovascular Disease - 42% Peripheral vascular Disease - 41% Epilepsy - 44% Neurological Diseases - 50% Multiple Sclerosis - 52% Parkinsons - 30% Motor Neurone Disease - 32% Chronic Pain Syndromes - 39% Diabetes Mellitus - 39% Metabolic Disease - 38% Traumatic Paraplegia - 54% Major Trauma Other than Traumatic/Paraplegia - 45% Learning Difficulties - 48% Psychosis - 44% Psychoneurosis - 38% Personality Disorder - 48% Dementia - 20% Behavioral Disorder - 28% Alcohol and Drug Abuse - 37% Hyperkinetic Syndrome - 27% Renal Disorders - 26% Inflammatory Bowel Disease - 42% Bowel and Stomach Disease - 37% Blood Disorders - 39% Haemophilia - 39% Multi System Disorders - 41% Multiple Allergy Syndrome - 44% Skin Disease - 37% Malignant Disease - 35% Haemodialysis - 22% Frailty - 100% AIDS - 47% Coronavirus covid-19 - 1% Viral disease - precise diagnosis not specified - 13% Tuberculosis - 53% Bacterial disease - precise diagnosis not specified - 43% Cognitive disorder (other) - 22% It's important to note there are special rules for people with a terminal illness, to help speed up their application - full details on here. Below is everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance including the main health conditions being claimed, eligibility and how to make a claim. 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 Attendance Allowance help to claim Attendance Allowance claims simplified Up to £5,750 for Scots pensioners Claim form tips to help you get support Health conditions paying up to £441 How much could I get on Attendance Allowance? You could receive either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week. This amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 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 website 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 cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you have a Scottish postcode. You need to claim Pension Age Disability Payment through Social Security Scotland - full details here. 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. here.
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
People already claiming Attendance Allowance may be able to increase payments by £146 every month
Nearly 1.7 million State Pensioners will receive either £73.90 or £110.40 each week during the 2025/26 financial year. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of August last year, nearly 1.7 million people across Great Britain were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance. The data also indicates that 150,000 people living in Scotland are now receiving either £73.90 or £110.40 each week through the non-means-tested benefit, following the annual uprating. As the benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period. The payment rates also apply to Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). The devolved benefit has now replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance north of the border - find out more here. Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit delivered by the DWP, designed to help older people with daily living expenses which could help them stay independent in their own home for longer. For some people whose condition may have declined, or have developed further health issues since their award began, it may be worthwhile contacting the DWP to report a change of circumstances - especially if they are on the lower rate. This is something that shouldn't be put off as reporting a change in your condition could lead to higher payments for those currently on the standard rate. It's important to be aware that DWP guidance states that if your circumstances change, the amount you get from Attendance Allowance may go up or down. If you are currently on the lower rate of £73.90 per week, your payments could increase by £36.50 to the higher rate of £110.40. Monthly payments would rise by £146 from £295.60 to £441.60. The guidance also lists several reasons for contacting them about a change in your circumstances if you are claiming Attendance Allowance. This includes: the level of help you need or your condition changes - you'll need to provide details like if the amount of times you need help each day has changed you go into hospital or a care home - you'll need to provide the address, the dates you've been there for, and how your stay is paid for a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live you leave the country for more than 4 weeks you go into prison you change your name, address or bank details you want to stop receiving your benefit your doctor's details change your immigration status changes, if you're not a British citizen Reporting a change if you need more help You should consider contacting the DWP to report a change if you feel you need more help for a disability or illness. This could be additional help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you do not currently get that help. This could 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 consider reporting a change if you are experiencing more difficulties completing 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. But remember, Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness. You should also consider reporting a change if you need more help or supervision throughout the day or night and have: a mental health condition learning difficulties a sensory condition - if you are deaf or blind You can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. Full details about reporting a change can be found on the website here. The most common condition claimed on Attendance Allowance is arthritis (29%) with some 483,376 people receiving support for it. However, there are nearly 50 conditions being supported by Attendance Allowance and even if you're already claiming for one of these, another may have developed or your current condition may have become more debilitating. Health issues supported by Attendance Allowance Support is also provided for People who are terminally ill. Arthritis Spondylosis Back Pain – Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified Disease of The Muscles, Bones or Joints Trauma to Limbs Blindness Deafness Heart disease Chest disease Asthma Cystic Fibrosis Cerebrovascular Disease Peripheral vascular Disease Epilepsy Neurological Diseases Multiple Sclerosis Parkinson's 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 Terminally ill 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 £441.60 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 Full guidance on Attendance Allowance can be found on here. Pension Age Disability Payment PADP is only available for people with a Scottish postcode making a new claim. Existing claimants will be transferred to the Social Security Scotland system in phases before the end of 2025, but until then, all changes in circumstances should be reported to DWP. Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment New guidance on 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. How do I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment? You can only apply for the new disability assistance benefit if you live in Scotland. Full details on 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.
