Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) can be worth up to £5,959 over the 2026/27 financial year, yet many older people miss out because of common misunderstandings about eligibility. The tax-free benefit, paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), helps people over State Pension age with the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition.
In Scotland, Attendance Allowance has been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment, which follows similar eligibility rules and is paid at the same rates.
Five myths that stop pensioners claiming
Myth 1: You need a carer to qualify. You do not need to have a carer. Attendance Allowance and PADP are based on the help you need, not the help you currently receive. Even if no one is providing regular care, you may qualify if you need assistance with personal care, supervision or staying safe.
Myth 2: It depends on income or savings. Attendance Allowance and PADP are not means-tested. Your income, savings and whether you own your home do not affect your entitlement. You can receive Attendance Allowance alongside the State Pension and other benefits.
Myth 3: It is only for physical disabilities. Mental health conditions can qualify. Conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, severe anxiety, depression or cognitive impairments may meet the criteria if they affect your ability to manage daily tasks or keep yourself safe. What matters is how your condition affects you, not the diagnosis alone.
Application is not automatic
Myth 4: It is paid automatically after State Pension age. Attendance Allowance and PADP are not awarded automatically. Eligible pensioners need to submit a claim and explain how their condition impacts their day-to-day life. If you do not apply, you will not receive the benefit.
Myth 5: You cannot claim if you live alone. Living alone does not prevent you from qualifying. Many people wrongly assume the benefits are only for those receiving regular care. In fact, people who live alone may qualify if they need supervision, reminders or help to stay safe.
How much is it worth and how to apply
Attendance Allowance and PADP are paid at two weekly rates: the lower rate of £76.70 for people who need help during the day or night, and the higher rate of £141.60 for those who need help during the day and night. The benefit is tax-free and can also increase entitlement to other support, including Pension Credit and Council Tax Reduction.
You can apply if you have reached State Pension age and have had a disability or health condition affecting your daily life for at least six months. For Attendance Allowance, call the helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request a form, or download one from GOV.UK. For PADP, contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 or apply online at MYGOV.SCOT.
When completing the form, explain how your condition affects you day and night, describing your worst days and the help you need even if you are not currently receiving it. Independent Age and Age UK offer assistance with the form. Medical evidence such as GP letters, hospital reports or care plans can strengthen your claim. Decisions for Attendance Allowance can take up to 16 weeks, while PADP decisions are currently taking eight working days.
You cannot get Attendance Allowance if you already receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
