The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show that at the end of November 2023, nearly 1.6 million older people were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance, including over 140,000 living in Scotland. This is a significant increase of 46,098 on the number of people claiming the non-means tested benefit in the previous quarter, ending in August 2023.
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, but the most common disabling condition - an umbrella term used by the DWP - is arthritis, which provides support for 449,077 people across Great Britain, including 41,055 in Scotland.
It’s important to note 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.
Who can 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’t currently get that help.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’t just for people with a physical disability or illness.
How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits? The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include: What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age? If you are thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment straight away - you may be able to get more money.