People of State Pension age with back pain could be due up to £441 each month
Back pain - particularly lower back pain - is very common and while it usually improves within a few weeks, it can sometimes last longer or keep coming back, especially as we get older. Some 2.5 million people across the UK experience back pain every day of the year and many may not be aware they could be entitled to financial support to help with any extra costs the condition causes.
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now 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 all new claims for Attendance Allowance have been replaced in Scotland with Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) - full details can be found here.
Both payments are not means-tested and worth either £72.65 or £108.55 each week. They are designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses, but there is no mobility component attached to either benefit.
Eligibility for Attendance Allowance or PADP is not affected by savings or income and is paid every four weeks which means someone on the lower rate will receive £295.60 every pay period while those on the higher rate will receive £441.40.
Across Great Britain, an estimated 20m people have arthritis or other, similar conditions which affects the joints, so if you are living with arthritis, back, joint, muscle or chronic pain, you could be eligible for support.
Many more people may be entitled to Attendance Allowance or PADP but simply do not know enough about it to make a claim.
Below is an overview of what you should know about Attendance Allowance and PADP, including how to start your application. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
It is also worth considering making a claim for Attendance Allowance - or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) if you or a family member are below State Pension age. You can find out more about claiming PIP or ADP here.
Attendance Allowance and PADP in a nutshell
Attendance Allowance and PADP 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 or PADP 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 and PADP are not 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:
How much could I get?
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 £441.40 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:
Can I claim Attendance Allowance or PADP even if I have savings and other income?
Yes. Attendance Allowance and PADP are not 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. Both benefits are 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 disability benefits affect my State Pension?
No, neither benefit will 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 or PADP. 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 or PADP. 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 or PADP when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming PIP straight away - you may be able to get more money.
Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?
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.
You can apply for the new disability assistance benefit through Social Security Scotland, full details on mygov.scot here.
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
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