Nearly 1.7 million older people were receiving Attendance Allowance at the end of November 2025, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). In Scotland, 185,895 people aged over 66 are receiving the devolved benefit, Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), as reported by Social Security Scotland.
How much can you get?
Both benefits provide either £76.70 or £114.60 per week, typically issued every four weeks, amounting to £306.80 or £458.40 per payment period. Payments are made in arrears, and the amount depends on the level of support needed.
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. There is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance.
Who can claim?
Attendance Allowance helps people with a disability, long-term illness, or mental or physical health condition. The most common condition claimed is arthritis, supporting 503,389 people across Great Britain. The DWP records 48 health conditions as part of the claims process, including arthritis, spondylosis, back pain, heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and many others.
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 includes help with personal care, such as dressing, eating, bathing, or going to the toilet, as well as help to stay safe. It also applies if personal tasks take you a long time, cause pain, or require physical help like a chair to lean on.
Attendance Allowance isn't just for physical disabilities. You should also claim if you need help or supervision due to a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or a sensory condition such as being deaf or visually impaired.
Pensioners in Scotland
People aged 66 and over in Scotland should claim Pension Age Disability Payment, administered by Social Security Scotland. You can apply online, by phone, or by post, with full details on MYGOV.SCOT. You cannot get both Attendance Allowance and PADP at the same time.
You can apply for PADP if you have reached State Pension age and have 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, are waiting for a diagnosis, or have a terminal illness (with a separate fast-track process).
Attendance Allowance and other benefits
Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested, so savings and other income don't affect eligibility. It is tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap. It doesn't affect your State Pension, and you can claim it while still working. Other benefits might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, including Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction, and Council Tax Reduction.
To make a claim, you need to complete a long form, with help available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age. Full details on getting the form by post or phone are on the GOV.UK website. If you are about to reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead, as you may get more money.
You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you live in Scotland, and you won't be able to get it if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for care. If you apply while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead. If your PIP or DLA renewal is unsuccessful, you can apply for Attendance Allowance.
For PADP, the Social Security Independent Advocacy Service, funded by the Scottish Government and provided by Advice Direct Scotland, can help you understand your rights and apply for support. You can contact them at 0808 196 8901 or support@advocacy.scot.
