Older people receiving Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland may also qualify for a range of extra discounts, reductions and financial support. The benefit is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a disability, illness or health condition.
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.
Attendance Allowance is not means tested and is worth either £76.70 or £114.60 a week depending on the level of support needed. However, entitlement to the benefit can also open the door to other forms of support with household bills, Council Tax and travel costs.
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?
You could receive £76.70 if you need help during the day or at night or £114.60 if you need help during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. 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.
Extra help available
One of the biggest forms of extra help available is Council Tax Reduction. People receiving Attendance Allowance may qualify for money off their Council Tax bill depending on their income, savings and who they live with. Some households could also qualify for a disabled band reduction scheme which lowers the property valuation band used to calculate council tax charges.
Attendance Allowance can also act as a gateway benefit, helping some older people qualify for extra Pension Credit or Housing Benefit support. Pensioners receiving Pension Credit may also be entitled to additional help including a free TV licence for over 75s, Cold Weather Payments and help with NHS costs.
Additional travel support may also be available. Advice organisations including Age UK and Citizens Advice say some claimants could qualify for concessionary travel schemes, a Disabled Person’s Railcard or support through the Blue Badge scheme depending on their circumstances.
Attendance Allowance may also increase entitlement to benefits for a partner or carer. Someone providing regular care could qualify for Carer’s Allowance/Carer Support Payment or extra support through Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
Can I claim if I have savings?
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 it 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 it 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. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland
Social Security Scotland will provide Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance. The weekly payment rates are: lower rate – £76.70; higher rate – £114.60. You can apply for the devolved benefit online, by phone or post. Full details can be found on the mygov.scot website.
Guidance on mygov.scot 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. You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both: reached State Pension age and 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.
Support with claims
The Social Security Independent Advocacy Service is funded by the Scottish Government. It was set up to ensure that disabled people can understand and exercise their rights, participate fully in decisions and help them apply for vital support from Scotland’s devolved social security benefits. Advice Direct Scotland is the new provider of this service through their dedicated platform advocacy.scot. You can contact Advice Direct Scotland with any queries by calling 0808 196 8901 or emailing support@advocacy.scot.
