New way for people over State Pension age to claim Attendance Allowance payments from DWP
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 1.7 million older people receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance, including 150,000 living in Scotland.
It's important to be aware that new claims for Attendance Allowance in Scotland have been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment, a devolved benefit administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland. Existing claimants with a Scottish postcode will transfer to the new payment by the end of this year.
Both payments are worth either £73.90 or £110.40 every week and designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses. These payments are issued every four weeks.
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, nearly 50, 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.
For anyone considering making a new application for Attendance Allowance, guidance on GOV.UK states that the new online service will only accept a 'limited number of applications each week'.
It's important to be aware that you cannot apply online using a mobile phone or tablet, it must be a desktop or laptop computer.
People can also apply through the post by either printing and submitting the Attendance Allowance claim form on GOV.UK here, or by contacting the helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request one.
For those applying by post, the DWP recently updated the guidance to remind claimants not to 'write anything except the Freepost address on the envelope' - they also said it does not need a postcode or a stamp.
Commenting on the online application process, a DWP spokesperson recently said: 'We are temporarily testing a new online service to make claiming Attendance Allowance easier and to improve accessibility. While the online service is not yet widely available, no-one will miss out on the benefit as claimants can still apply in the usual way by post."
Attendance Allowance and PADP are worth either £295.60 (lower rate) or £441.60 (higher rate) every four-week payment period.
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 or PADP.
Main health conditions and number of claimants across Great Britain
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 for Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.
10 most-claimed Attendance Allowance health conditions:
Arthritis - 483,376 clamants
Dementia - 173,179 claimants
Heart Disease - 124,528 claimants
Respiratory Conditions - 104,098 claimants
Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints - 86,319
Cerebrovascular Disease - 74,716
Back Pain - 74,804
Visual Disorders and Diseases - 50,993
Parkinson's - 44,440 claimants
Neurological Conditions - 35,597 claimants
Below is everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance including the main health conditions being claimed, eligibility and how to make a claim. Full details on claiming PADP 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 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 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 GOV.UK 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 are over State Pension age and live in Scotland. You need to claim PADP instead, find out more 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.
Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.
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