By Linda Howard
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now nearly 1.7 million older people receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance , including 150,000 living in Scotland. The payment is worth either 拢73.90 or 拢110.40 each week and is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses – it does not cover mobility needs. The benefit supports people with a disability, long-term illness and mental or physical health issues. The list of conditions supported through Attendance Allowance is long, more than 50, but the most common disabling condition – an umbrella term used by the DWP – is arthritis , which provides support for 483,376 people across Great Britain, including 44,455 in Scotland. To make it easier for people over State Pension age, or their family members or friends, to decide whether to make a claim for the benefit, we have compiled a list of 22 key facts that sum up Attendance Allowance. Full details about Attendance Allowance can be found on GOV.UK here. Charities including Independent Age and Age UK can also help with claims and answer any questions over the phone or online via email or webchat. It’s important for people over 66 in Scotland to be aware that they can no longer make a new claim for Attendance Allowance and must claim a new devolved payment instead. Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) provides the same financial support as Attendance Allowance, but is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland – full details here. Below is everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance including the 10 most-claimed for conditions, eligibility and how to make a claim. The 10 conditions listed below are supporting 1,252,041 (75%) of the 1.7m total number of people receiving Attendance Allowance payments. Medical conditions are sourced from information recorded on the DWP鈥檚 Attendance Allowance computer system. It鈥檚 important to note that this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. However, if you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here . Arthritis 483,376 Dementia 173,170 Heart Disease 124,528 Respiratory Conditions 104,098 Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints 86,319 Cerebrovascular Disease 74,716 Back Pain 74,804 Visual Disorders and Diseases 50,993 Parkinson鈥檚 44,440 Neurological Conditions 35,597 Below is everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance including the main health conditions being claimed, eligibility and how to make a claim. Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that 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 in order to make a 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 don鈥檛 currently get that help. This might include: 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, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn鈥檛 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: You could receive either 拢73.90 (lower rate) or 拢110.40 (higher rate) each week. This amounts to either 拢296.60 or 拢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: 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 , so don’t let the form put you off applying. If you’d prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here . Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here . 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 – you may be able to get more money. You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you have a Scottish postcode, you need to claim PADP from Social Security Scotland – full details here. You won’t 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. Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here .