As the cost of living continues to put pressure on households to keep up with ever-increasing costs of food, fuel and daily living, it’s important to make sure you or someone you know is not missing out on additional income. There are now 12.6 million people of State Pension age across Great Britain receiving regular payments from the contributory benefit, including around one million in Scotland.
It’s important to note that payments for State Pension and Attendance Allowance are paid separately, and the four-weekly payment period for each benefit will be referred to as ‘monthly’ in this article from now on to make it easier to understand the frequency. What is Attendance Allowance? The latest figures from the DWP show in February 2023, there were more than 1.4 million older people receiving Attendance Allowance, including over 129,600 living in Scotland.
10 most-claimed for Attendance Allowance conditions The 10 conditions listed below are supporting 1,069,501 of the 1.4m total number of people receiving Attendance Allowance.Medical conditions are sourced from information recorded on the DWP’s Attendance Allowance computer system. You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income? 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.
How do I 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, so don't let the form put you off applying.