Older people in the UK who are dealing with health problems may be eligible for additional, non-means-tested financial support through Attendance Allowance or, in Scotland, the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). These benefits are designed to assist with the extra costs associated with long-term illnesses, physical or mental disabilities, and can increase a pensioner’s annual income by up to £5,740.80.
These tax-free benefits are available to people over State Pension age and are not dependent on income or savings, making them a critical support for many who are living with health challenges. More than 1.7 million people across Great Britain are currently receiving Attendance Allowance, underlining the wide reach of this program.
Financial Support Without Means Testing: A Lifeline for Many
Attendance Allowance offers two levels of payment depending on the severity of an individual’s needs:
- £73.90 per week for the lower rate
- £110.40 per week for the higher rate
These are paid every four weeks, which equates to:
- £295.60 per period at the lower rate
- £441.60 per period at the higher rate
Over the course of a full financial year, these payments could total up to £5,740.80, a substantial addition to the average State Pension.
What sets this benefit apart is its non-means-tested nature. Recipients are eligible regardless of their savings, income, or whether they are still working. This aspect makes it an accessible and often underutilised resource for many pensioners.
Importantly, the money can be used at the recipient’s discretion, for example to pay for:
- Transportation such as taxis
- Utility or household bills
- A cleaner or gardener
- Personal support for daily living
A New System in Scotland: Pension Age Disability Payment
Since the devolution of certain welfare powers to the Scottish Government, Attendance Allowance has been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment for residents in Scotland. This new benefit mirrors the same eligibility criteria and payment scales as its UK-wide counterpart but is now administered by Social Security Scotland.
As of end of July, 44,885 people over age 66 were receiving PADP in Scotland. Meanwhile, data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) indicates that as of February 2025, the number of Attendance Allowance recipients was:
- England: 1,459,541
- Scotland: 155,210
- Wales: 113,910
- Living abroad: 6,456
- Total: 1,735,589
The scale of support suggests these benefits are playing a significant role in the wellbeing of older adults across the UK.
Supported Conditions: From Arthritis to Frailty
Attendance Allowance and PADP cover a wide range of health conditions, including both physical and mental health issues. The benefit is available regardless of whether the applicant has a formal carer and is focused on the level of help required with daily activities.
According to Daily Record, the most common conditions supported include:
- Arthritis – 47% of claimants
- Heart Disease – 50%
- Neurological Diseases – 50%
- Multiple Sclerosis – 52%
- Frailty – 100%
- Traumatic Paraplegia – 54%
- Tuberculosis – 53%
- Psychosis – 44%
- Personality Disorder – 48%
- Learning Difficulties – 48%
- Dementia – 20%
Interestingly, some conditions are surprisingly less common among claimants, such as:
- COVID-19 – 1%
- Haemodialysis – 22%
- Cognitive disorders (other) – 22%
This diversity in conditions suggests a broad recognition of the complexities of aging, but also points to possible gaps in awareness or access among those with less-represented health issues.
Eligibility, Claim Process, and Additional Benefits
To be eligible for Attendance Allowance, individuals must have reached State Pension age and require help or supervision during the day or at night. This could include:
- Personal care (dressing, eating, bathing)
- Mobility assistance (though mobility itself is not covered)
- Supervision for safety due to mental health or sensory impairments
Applications must be submitted via a detailed form, which some may find intimidating. However, guidance is available from Citizens Advice or via the GOV.UK website.
In Scotland, applications for PADP can be made through Social Security Scotland, with support from independent advocacy services such as VoiceAbility, especially for those with communication or cognitive difficulties.
Those already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are not eligible for Attendance Allowance unless these benefits are no longer awarded.
In terms of financial interaction with other benefits, Attendance Allowance can increase entitlement to:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
It also does not reduce State Pension, nor is it subject to the Benefit Cap.
Boosting Awareness Among Eligible Pensioners
The Daily Record article underscores a key issue: many pensioners may be unaware of their eligibility. The fact that over 1.7 million people are receiving these payments suggests strong uptake, but it also raises the question of how many thousands more might qualify but haven’t yet applied.
Considering the demographic pressure of an aging population and the growing cost of living, benefits like Attendance Allowance and PADP could offer tangible financial relief to millions, yet are under-discussed in public discourse.
Increasing public understanding of these benefits—and making the application process feel more approachable—could represent a meaningful step in supporting the independence and dignity of older people across the UK.
