Nearly 1.7 million people over State Pension age are now receiving Attendance Allowance, according to new figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The payment provides either £76.70 or £114.60 per week to help with daily living costs.
Separate figures from Social Security Scotland show 185,895 pensioners are claiming Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). This devolved benefit has replaced all new and existing Attendance Allowance claims for pensioners with a Scottish postcode. Instead of claiming from DWP, people over State Pension age in Scotland must apply for PADP through Social Security Scotland.
Both payments are worth either £76.70 (lower rate) or £114.60 (higher rate) every week, issued every four weeks. They support people with a disability, long-term illness, or mental or physical health conditions. The list of supported conditions is long, nearly 50, but the most common is arthritis, which supports over 503,000 pensioners.
How to claim online
Some claimants considering a new Attendance Allowance application can now complete the process online at GOV.UK. To apply online, you will need your National Insurance number, your address and contact details, details of the disability or health condition you need extra help for, details of your GP surgery or medical centre, and details of your care home, hospital, or hospice if you are currently staying in one.
You cannot apply online if you are an appointee or have power of attorney. It is also important to note 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 printing and submitting the Attendance Allowance claim form on GOV.UK, or by contacting the helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request one.
Payment rates and conditions
Attendance Allowance and PADP are worth either £306.80 (lower rate) or £458.40 (higher rate) every four-week payment period. The amount received depends on the level of support needed, as the benefit is designed to help people stay independent in their own home for longer. There is no mobility component attached to either benefit.
The 10 most-claimed health conditions for Attendance Allowance are arthritis, dementia, heart disease, respiratory conditions, disease of the muscles, bones or joints, cerebrovascular disease, back pain, visual disorders and diseases, Parkinson's, and neurological conditions. This list is not a checklist for claiming but is intended to help people understand what types of conditions are supported.
Eligibility and other benefits
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that it 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 to make a claim. You should apply if you need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night, even if you do not currently get that help. This might include help with personal care, such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and going to the toilet, or 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. Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness—you should also claim if you need help due to a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or a sensory condition such as being deaf or visually impaired.
The benefit is not means-tested, so it does not matter what other income or savings you have. It is tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap. It does not affect your State Pension, and you can claim it even if you are still working. Other benefits you get might increase if you receive Attendance Allowance, including Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction, and Council Tax Reduction.
To make a claim, you will need to complete a long claim form. Help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice. If you are about to reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) straight away, as you may get more money. You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you live in Scotland and are over State Pension age—you need to claim PADP instead. You also cannot get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for your care. If you apply while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead. You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends if you still meet the eligibility criteria, and if your renewal is unsuccessful, you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
