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, paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to individuals over State Pension age who require assistance with personal care or supervision due to a disability, illness, or health condition, is not means-tested and is worth either £76.70 or £114.60 per week, depending on the level of support needed.
Additional Support Available
Entitlement to Attendance Allowance can open the door to other forms of support with household bills, Council Tax, and travel costs. One of the most significant forms of extra help is Council Tax Reduction. Those receiving Attendance Allowance may qualify for a reduction on their Council Tax bill based on their income, savings, and household composition. Some households may also be eligible 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. Pensioners receiving Pension Credit may also be entitled to additional help, including a free TV licence for over-75s, Cold Weather Payments, and assistance with NHS costs.
Travel and Carer Support
Additional travel support may be available. Advice organizations such as Age UK and Citizens Advice indicate that 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 or Carer Support Payment, or extra support through Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
What is Attendance Allowance?
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.
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 do not currently receive 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 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 or supervision throughout the day or night and have a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or a sensory condition such as deafness or visual impairment.
How Much Could You 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, or paying for a cleaner or gardener.
Can I Claim if I Have Savings?
Yes. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so it does not matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings. It is also tax-free, and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap, so you will not have money taken away from any other benefits.
Will It Affect My State Pension?
No, it will not affect your State Pension, and you can even claim it if you are 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, and Council Tax Reduction.
How to 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. If you 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. For Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland, full details on how to make a claim through Social Security Scotland are available on the mygov.scot website.
What 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, as you may be able to get more money.
Who Cannot Claim?
You will not 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.
Pension Age Disability Payment Eligibility
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, or you have a terminal illness (there is a separate fast-track application process). It is important to note that you cannot get Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time.
Payment Rates
Social Security Scotland will provide Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance: lower rate £76.70, higher rate £114.60.
How to Apply for Pension Age Disability Payment
You can apply online, by phone, or by post. Full details can be found on the mygov.scot website. You can also get support making a claim from an independent advocate through the Social Security Independent Advocacy Service, funded by the Scottish Government. Advice Direct Scotland is the new provider of this service through their dedicated platform advocacy.scot. You can contact them by calling 0808 196 8901 or emailing support@advocacy.scot.
