Latest news with #PADP
Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
New way for people over State Pension age to claim Attendance Allowance payments from DWP
Nearly 1.7 million people over State Pension age currently receive either £73.90 or £110.40 every week in Attendance Allowance. 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 It's important to be aware that new claims for Attendance Allowance in Scotland have been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment, a devolved benefit administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland.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 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 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 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 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 website here.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
People already claiming Attendance Allowance may be able to boost payments by £146 every month
Nearly 1.7 million State Pensioners receive either £73.90 or £110.40 each week through the disability benefit. The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of August last year, nearly 1.7 million people across Great Britain were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance. The data also indicates that 150,000 people living in Scotland are now receiving either £73.90 or £110.40 each week through the non-means-tested benefit, following the annual uprating. As the benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period. The payment rates also apply to Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). The devolved benefit has now replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance north of the border - find out more here. Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit delivered by the DWP, designed to help older people with daily living expenses which could help them stay independent in their own home for longer. For some people whose condition may have declined, or have developed further health issues since their award began, it may be worthwhile contacting the DWP to report a change of circumstances - especially if they are on the lower rate. This is something that shouldn't be put off as reporting a change in your condition could lead to higher payments for those currently on the standard rate. It's important to be aware that DWP guidance states that if your circumstances change, the amount you get from Attendance Allowance may go up or down. If you are currently on the lower rate of £73.90 per week, your payments could increase by £36.50 to the higher rate of £110.40. Monthly payments would rise by £146 from £295.60 to £441.60. The guidance also lists several reasons for contacting them about a change in your circumstances if you are claiming Attendance Allowance. This includes: the level of help you need or your condition changes - you'll need to provide details like if the amount of times you need help each day has changed you go into hospital or a care home - you'll need to provide the address, the dates you've been there for, and how your stay is paid for a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live you leave the country for more than 4 weeks you go into prison you change your name, address or bank details you want to stop receiving your benefit your doctor's details change your immigration status changes, if you're not a British citizen Reporting a change if you need more help You should consider contacting the DWP to report a change if you feel you need more help for a disability or illness. This could be additional help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you do not currently get that help. This could 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 consider reporting a change if you are experiencing more difficulties completing 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. But remember, Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness. You should also consider reporting a change if you need more help or supervision throughout the day or night and have: a mental health condition learning difficulties a sensory condition - if you are deaf or blind You can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. Full details about reporting a change can be found on the website here. The most common condition claimed on Attendance Allowance is arthritis (29%) with some 483,376 people receiving support for it. However, there are nearly 50 conditions being supported by Attendance Allowance and even if you're already claiming for one of these, another may have developed or your current condition may have become more debilitating. Health issues supported by Attendance Allowance Support is also provided for People who are terminally ill. Arthritis Spondylosis Back Pain – Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified Disease of The Muscles, Bones or Joints Trauma to Limbs Blindness Deafness Heart disease Chest disease Asthma Cystic Fibrosis Cerebrovascular Disease Peripheral vascular Disease Epilepsy Neurological Diseases Multiple Sclerosis Parkinson's Motor Neurone Disease Chronic Pain Syndromes Diabetes Mellitus Metabolic Disease Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Learning Difficulties Psychosis Psychoneurosis Personality Disorder Dementia Behavioural Disorder Alcohol and Drug Abuse Hyperkinetic Syndrome Renal Disorders Inflammatory Bowel Disease Bowel and Stomach Disease Blood Disorders Haemophilia Multi System Disorders Multiple Allergy Syndrome Skin Disease Malignant Disease Severely Mentally impaired Double Amputee Deaf/Blind Haemodialysis Frailty Total Parenteral Nutrition AIDS Terminally ill How much could I get on Attendance Allowance? 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 £441.60 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 Full guidance on Attendance Allowance can be found on here. Pension Age Disability Payment PADP is only available for people with a Scottish postcode making a new claim. Existing claimants will be transferred to the Social Security Scotland system in phases before the end of 2025, but until then, all changes in circumstances should be reported to DWP. Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment New guidance on provides full details on who can claim, how to claim, additional help available, what happens after a claim is submitted and extra support for successful claimants. Find out more here. You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both: Reached State Pension age (66) Had care needs during the day or night for 6 months or more because of a disability or health condition You can still apply if: You have not had care needs for 6 months or more - your award will begin 6 months from when your care needs started if your application is successful You are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis You have a terminal illness - there is a separate fast-track application process if you're terminally ill It's important to be aware you cannot get Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time. Existing claimants will automatically move to Pension Age Disability Payment - Social Security Scotland will do this and you will not have to do anything. If you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you do not need to do anything. Your benefit will move to Social Security Scotland. How do I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment? You can only apply for the new disability assistance benefit if you live in Scotland. Full details on here. Anyone over State Pension age with a disability that means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP. 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 Full contact details can be found here.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
How private firms are siphoning money from social security
Such firms offer services such as filling in claim forms and medical questionnaires, communicating with the Department for Work and Pensions and preparation for tribunals. Read More: Often targeted by social media advertising, people are paying up to £400 plus VAT per successful application for things like the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) and the Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Companies are deducting as much as 10% from ongoing monthly payments, potentially earning up to thousands of pounds over years. CAS offers free advice to those in need of social security, helping close to 192,000 people in 2023-24. David Hilferty, director of impact at Citizens Advice Scotland said: "This is a pernicious practice – profiteering from people who need support most. "It is the very worst kind of innovation and opportunism, clearly undermining the policy intent of these payments to provide vital financial support to those who need it most. "Expert, impartial, and confidential advice should be free of charge to everyone who needs it in Scotland. "
Daily Record
23-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
People of State Pension age with back pain could be due up to £441 each month
Arthritis remains the most common condition being claimed by nearly 484,000 pensioners on Attendance Allowance across Great Britain, including 44,455 in Scotland. However, there are also 74,804 people over 66 claiming support for back pain. 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 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 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 website here. You can apply for the new disability assistance benefit through Social Security Scotland, full details on 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
Daily Record
18-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Pensioners claiming new health benefit could get payment decision in six days
Pension Age Disability Payment has replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance in Scotland. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? New figures from Social Security Scotland show there were 1,875 people over 66 receiving Pension Age Disability Payments (PADP), the new devolved benefit that has now replaced all claims for Attendance Allowance north of the border. People of State Pension age with a disability, long-term illness or health condition could be eligible for the lower rate of £73.90 if they need help during the day or at night, or the higher rate of £110.40, if they need help during the day and at night, or if they are terminally ill. For anyone thinking about making a new claim, the latest data indicates the average processing time - from point of application to decision award letter - is currently six working days. For those applying with a terminal illness it is one working day. This means people submitting a new claim this week could receive a letter or an email before next weekend. However, it's important to be aware that complex cases may take longer and as awareness about the new benefit grows, that timeframe will undoubtedly increase. Insights from Social Security Scotland also shows the most common age of claimants is currently over 75. It also reveals that of the 2,575 applications processed - with a decision made by April 30 - 77 per cent were authorised, 11 per cent were denied and 11 per cent were withdrawn. Most successful applicants received the higher rate. Of all authorised applications, 79 per cent were awarded the higher level of 110.40 per week and 21 per cent were awarded the lower level of £73.90 over the period to 30 April 2025. Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP The conditions listed below are sourced from information recorded on the DWP's Attendance Allowance computer system. PADP also supports people with these conditions. It's important to note this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance or PADP, 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 website here. Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain Arthritis Spondylosis Back Pain Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints Trauma to Limbs Visual Disorders and Diseases Hearing Disorders Heart Disease Respiratory Disorders and Diseases Asthma Cystic Fibrosis Cerebrovascular Disease Peripheral vascular Disease Epilepsy Neurological Diseases Multiple Sclerosis Parkinsons Disease Motor Neurone Disease Chronic Pain Syndromes Diabetes Mellitus Metabolic Disease Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Learning Difficulties Psychosis Psychoneurosis Personality Disorder Dementia Behavioural Disorder Alcohol and Drug Abuse Hyperkinetic Syndrome Renal Disorders Inflammatory Bowel Disease Bowel and Stomach Disease Blood Disorders Haemophilia Multi System Disorders Multiple Allergy Syndrome Skin Disease Malignant Disease Severely Mentally impaired Double Amputee Deaf/Blind Haemodialysis Frailty Total Parenteral Nutrition AIDS Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19 The Scottish Government said PADP has been designed with the help of people who will be eligible for the benefit and those who support them. Improvements include a streamlined process for people to nominate a third party representative who can support them to communicate with Social Security Scotland. A fast-track process will be put in place for applicants diagnosed with a terminal illness. As already mentioned, this takes just one working day on average to process. Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment Guidance on provides full details on who can claim, how to claim, additional help available, what happens after a claim is submitted and extra support for successful claimants. Find out more here. You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both: Reached State Pension age (66) Had care needs during the day or night for 6 months or more because of a disability or health condition You can still apply if: You have not had care needs for 6 months or more - your award will begin 6 months from when your care needs started if your application is successful You are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis You have a terminal illness - there is a separate fast-track application process if you're terminally ill It's important to be aware you cannot get Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time. Existing claimants will automatically move to Pension Age Disability Payment - Social Security Scotland will do this and you will not have to do anything. If you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you do not need to do anything. Your benefit will move to Social Security Scotland. Payment rates for Pension Age Disability Payment Social Security Scotland will provide Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance. It is also currently doing this for the devolved Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment. The weekly payment rates for Attendance Allowance are: Lower rate - £73.90 Higher rate - £110.40 How do I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment? You can only apply for the new disability assistance benefit if it has opened in your area. You can check on the dedicated pages on here. Anyone over State Pension age with a disability that means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP. 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 Full contact details can be found here.
