£434 per Month: Nearly 1.7 million people can receive over State Pension age

New figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveal that nearly 1.7 million older people in the UK are receiving Attendance Allowance, including 150,000 in Scotland. This financial support helps people over State Pension age manage their daily living expenses if they have a disability or long-term health condition.

What Is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and require extra help due to a disability, long-term illness, or mental or physical health issues. Unlike other benefits, it does not cover mobility needs but helps with the additional costs of daily living.

The weekly payment rates are:

• £72.65 (Lower rate) – for those who need frequent help during the day OR night
• £108.55 (Higher rate) – for those who need help both during the day AND night or have a terminal illness

This financial support is not means-tested, meaning your income and savings do not affect your eligibility.

Common Conditions That Qualify for Attendance Allowance

The DWP recognizes over 50 medical conditions under Attendance Allowance. The most common is arthritis, which supports 469,902 people in Great Britain, including 43,128 in Scotland. Other conditions include:

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Severe vision or hearing impairments
• Heart disease and respiratory conditions
• Strokes or neurological disorders

If you or a loved one has a long-term illness or disability that requires help with daily activities, you may qualify for Attendance Allowance.

How to Claim Attendance Allowance

Claiming Attendance Allowance is simple, and several charities, including Independent Age and Age UK, offer free guidance and support via phone, email, or webchat.

You can:

1. Apply online or download a claim form from GOV.UK.
2. Fill out the form with details of your condition and the help you require.
3. Send your application by post to the DWP.

If your claim is approved, payments will be deposited directly into your bank account.

Changes in Scotland: Pension Age Disability Payment

In Scotland, Attendance Allowance is being replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment in some areas. As of now, new claims for Attendance Allowance are no longer accepted in:

• Argyll and Bute
• Highland
• Aberdeen City
• Orkney
• Shetland

From March 2024, the new Pension Age Disability Payment will expand to 13 more areas, before becoming available nationwide in Scotland by April 2025.

This new benefit follows similar eligibility rules as Attendance Allowance, supporting people over 66 who need assistance with daily tasks or supervision for safety.

Attendance Allowance provides crucial financial support to over 1.7 million older people in the UK, helping them manage daily living costs due to disabilities or long-term health conditions. If you or a loved one need extra support, it’s worth checking if you qualify. In Scotland, the Pension Age Disability Payment is replacing Attendance Allowance in several areas, ensuring continued support for those in need. To find out more and apply, visit GOV.UK or contact charities like Age UK for assistance.

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