By Linda Howard
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of August last year, nearly 1.7 million people across Great Britain were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance . The data also indicates that 150,000 people living in Scotland are now receiving either £73.90 or £110.40 each week through the non-means-tested benefit, following the annual uprating. As the benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period. The payment rates also apply to Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). The devolved benefit has now replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance north of the border – find out more here. Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit delivered by the DWP, designed to help older people with daily living expenses which could help them stay independent in their own home for longer. For some people whose condition may have declined, or have developed further health issues since their award began, it may be worthwhile contacting the DWP to report a change of circumstances – especially if they are on the lower rate. This is something that shouldn’t be put off as reporting a change in your condition could lead to higher payments for those currently on the standard rate. It’s important to be aware that DWP guidance states that if your circumstances change, the amount you get from Attendance Allowance may go up or down. If you are currently on the lower rate of £73.90 per week, your payments could increase by £36.50 to the higher rate of £110.40. Monthly payments would rise by £146 from £295.60 to £441.60. The guidance also lists several reasons for contacting them about a change in your circumstances if you are claiming Attendance Allowance. This includes: You should consider contacting the DWP to report a change if you feel you need more help for a disability or illness. This could be additional help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you do not currently get that help. This could include: You should also consider reporting a change if you are experiencing more difficulties completing personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. But remember, Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness. You should also consider reporting a change if you need more help or supervision throughout the day or night and have: You can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. Full details about reporting a change can be found on the GOV.UK website here. The most common condition claimed on Attendance Allowance is arthritis (29%) with some 483,376 people receiving support for it. However, there are nearly 50 conditions being supported by Attendance Allowance and even if you’re already claiming for one of these, another may have developed or your current condition may have become more debilitating. Support is also provided for People who are terminally ill. You could receive £73.90 if you need help during the day or at night or £110.40 if you need help during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks , which means you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period. You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer. This might include: Yes. Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested so it doesn’t matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either – there’s no limit. it is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won’t have money taken away from any other benefits. No, it won’t affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you’re still working and earning money. The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include: Full guidance on Attendance Allowance can be found on GOV.UK here . PADP is only available for people with a Scottish postcode making a new claim. Existing claimants will be transferred to the Social Security Scotland system in phases before the end of 2025, but until then, all changes in circumstances should be reported to DWP. New 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. Find out more here . You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both: You can still apply if: It’s important to be aware you cannot get Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time. Existing claimants will automatically move to Pension Age Disability Payment – Social Security Scotland will do this and you will not have to do anything. If you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you do not need to do anything. Your benefit will move to Social Security Scotland. You can only apply for the new disability assistance benefit if you live in Scotland. Full details on mygov.scot here. Anyone over State Pension age with a disability that means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP . Help is also available from the independent advocacy service VoiceAbility, which is funded by the Scottish Government, to help disabled people applying for devolved benefits. It provides a free, nationwide advocacy service supporting disabled people to access Social Security Scotland benefits. If you need an advocate, you should: Full contact details can be found here.