People Receiving Attendance Allowance Could Increase Their Payments by £146 Monthly

According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), by the end of August last year, almost 1.7 million people in Great Britain were receiving Attendance Allowance.

In Scotland alone, about 150,000 claimants now get weekly payments of £73.90 or £110.40, depending on their assessed level of need. These figures reflect the latest annual uprating.

Since the benefit is paid every four weeks, recipients receive £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period. These payment rates also apply to the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP).

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit that helps older people cover daily living costs, enabling them to maintain independence in their homes for longer.

While in Scotland new claims have shifted to Social Security Scotland under the PADP system, existing claimants in the rest of the UK continue under DWP management.

Reporting a Change in Circumstances

If your health condition worsens, or you develop new medical issues, you should report the change to the DWP. This is particularly important if you are on the lower rate (£73.90), as you may qualify for the higher rate (£110.40).

That change could raise your monthly allowance by £146, from £295.60 to £441.60 every four weeks. However, DWP guidance also notes that depending on your circumstances, your allowance could increase or decrease.

Circumstances You Must Report

Claimants should inform the DWP if:

• The level of help required changes.
• You are admitted to hospital or a care home (provide dates and details).
• A doctor confirms you may have 12 months or less to live.
• You leave the UK for more than four weeks.
• You enter prison.
• Your name, address, or bank details change.
• Your doctor’s information changes.
• You want to stop claiming.
• Your immigration status changes.

Needing More Help: When to Contact DWP

If you feel you require extra assistance—day or night—it is worth contacting the DWP. Support can cover:

• Personal care (bathing, eating, dressing, toilet use, mobility).
• Safety needs (supervision during risky situations).
• Increased difficulties with daily tasks due to pain, time, or reliance on aids.

It’s important to note that Attendance Allowance is not limited to physical disabilities—mental health conditions, sensory impairments, and learning difficulties may also qualify.

You can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122 (Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm).

Common Conditions Covered

The most frequent claim is for arthritis, affecting 29% of recipients (483,376 people). But nearly 50 conditions qualify, including:

• Spondylosis, back pain, heart disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis
• Mental health disorders including dementia, psychosis, and personality disorders
• Sensory conditions like blindness and deafness
• Terminal illness and frailty

Attendance Allowance Payment Rates

• £73.90 per week – if you need help day or night.
• £110.40 per week – if you need help day and night or are terminally ill.

Since it is paid every four weeks, this equals either £295.60 or £441.60.

How You Can Use the Money

The benefit is not restricted and can be spent on:

• Paying for taxis or transport.
• Covering household bills.
• Hiring a cleaner or gardener.

Does Attendance Allowance Affect Other Income or Benefits?

• Not means-tested – savings and income do not affect your claim.
• Tax-free and not subject to the Benefit Cap.
• No impact on State Pension – you can claim while working.
• May increase other benefits such as:
  • Pension Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Reduction

Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) in Scotland

The PADP has replaced new Attendance Allowance claims in Scotland. Existing recipients will be gradually transferred to Social Security Scotland by the end of 2025.

Eligibility

You can apply if you:

• Have reached State Pension age (66+).
• Have required care for at least 6 months.

Exceptions include those with terminal illnesses, where fast-track claims are available.

How to Apply

• Applications are open only to people with a Scottish postcode.
• You cannot receive both PADP and Attendance Allowance.
• Claimants of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will automatically transition to Social Security Scotland.

Support is also available through the advocacy service VoiceAbility, funded by the Scottish Government, to assist applicants.

Attendance Allowance continues to play a vital role in supporting older adults with disabilities or health conditions, ensuring they remain independent and financially secure. With payments of up to £441.60 every four weeks, this benefit provides much-needed relief for millions. It’s crucial to report changes in circumstances to the DWP, as this can affect your entitlement. In Scotland, the gradual shift to the Pension Age Disability Payment ensures claimants continue to receive essential support without interruption.

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