From 7 April, more than 1.6 million pensioners receiving Attendance Allowance across the UK will see their payments increase. This benefit, designed to support people of State Pension age with long-term health conditions or disabilities, will rise to £73.90 per week for the lower rate and £110.40 for the higher rate.
Paid every four weeks by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), this means recipients will now receive either £295.60 or £441.60 per month—amounting to a maximum of £5,740.80 per year for those on the higher rate.
In Scotland, Attendance Allowance is being gradually replaced by the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). However, eligibility criteria and payment rates will remain the same, ensuring that Scottish claimants receive the same financial support.
Who Can Claim Attendance Allowance?
Both Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment provide financial support for people over State Pension age who have a disability, illness, or physical or mental health condition that affects their daily lives.
Unlike some other benefits, Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, meaning it does not matter how much you earn or have in savings. It is also tax-free and does not affect State Pension payments.
However, it is important to note that Attendance Allowance does not include a mobility component. While it will not cover transport or mobility-related costs, the money can be used however the claimant sees fit, including:
- Paying for home help or personal care
- Contributing towards household bills
- Hiring a cleaner or gardener
- Funding additional healthcare or support services
People who struggle with everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, washing, moving around the home, or preparing meals, may be eligible for support.
Common conditions that qualify for Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment include:
- Arthritis, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal disorders
- Heart and respiratory diseases, including asthma and COPD
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy
- Cognitive disorders including dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Mental health conditions requiring regular supervision
No Face-to-Face Assessments for Scottish Claimants
In Scotland, the transition from Attendance Allowance to Pension Age Disability Payment will be completed by the end of 2024. A key change in the new system is that face-to-face assessments will no longer be required, unless specifically requested by the applicant.
This change aims to simplify the claims process and reduce stress for elderly applicants. Currently, new claims for PADP have already replaced Attendance Allowance in areas such as Argyll and Bute, the Highlands, Aberdeen City, Orkney, and Shetland.
From April, the rollout will continue nationwide, ensuring that all eligible pensioners in Scotland receive the support they need.
How Attendance Allowance Affects Other Benefits
Since Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, it does not impact other sources of income, including the State Pension. In some cases, receiving Attendance Allowance can even increase entitlement to other benefits, such as:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
Additionally, Attendance Allowance is not subject to the Benefit Cap, meaning claimants will not see reductions in other payments due to receiving this support.
How to Apply for Attendance Allowance
To claim Attendance Allowance, applicants must complete a detailed claim form, which can be obtained via the DWP website or through a postal request.
For those in Scotland, applications for Pension Age Disability Payment can be submitted online, by phone, or by post via mygov.scot.
People approaching State Pension age may also want to consider applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), as it can sometimes offer higher financial support depending on individual circumstances.
