People over State Pension age with health issues could claim benefit worth £5,644 each year

Around 10 million people over State Pension age across Great Britain, including 850,000 living in Scotland, will no longer be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments following the UK Government's change to eligibility rules. While many of those will be hoping for a U-turn from Chancellor Rachel Reeves during the Autumn Budget on Wednesday, the Labour Government is unlikely to reverse the decision - despite fierce opposition from MPs across the House, campaigns, charities and unions.

While the loss of this annual financial help - worth up to £300 - will be felt by so many households this winter, older people with a long-term illness, disability or physical or mental health condition, may be unaware they could be entitled to support through Attendance Allowance. The benefit is not means-tested and worth either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week and as the benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period - some £5,644.60 over the 2024/25 financial year.

READ MORE: Chancellor confirms new State Pension and benefit payment rates from next April in Autumn Budget 

READ MORE: Older people on disability benefits may be due an extra £326 each month

This makes it over £5,314 more valuable in extra financial support than the one-off annual Winter Fuel Payment.

However, if you are over 66 and on a low income, it’s crucial that you check if you are entitled to Pension Credit, which is worth around £3,900 each year and acts as a gateway benefit to other support including help with housing costs, Council Tax and Winter Fuel Payments.

New clams for Pension Credit made before December 21, 2024 which later turn out to be successful, will also qualify for a backdated Winter Fuel Payment - find out more here.

How to quickly check eligibility for Pension Credit

Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.

Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show at the end of February 2024, over 1.6 million people over State Pension age were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance, including nearly 144,000 living in Scotland.

It's important to be aware that if you live in Argyll and Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney or Shetland, you cannot make a new claim for Attendance Allowance. You can now claim the new devolved benefit - Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) - from Social Security Scotland.

PADP will replace Attendance Allowance for new and existing claimants living in Scotland only, by the end of 2025. Find out more here.

How much someone receives for Attendance Allowance or PADP depends on the level of support needed and the benefit is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses which can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer.

It’s important to be aware there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance or PADP.

Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP

The conditions listed below are sourced from information recorded on the DWP’s Attendance Allowance computer system. PADP also supports people with these conditions.

However, it’s important to note this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance or PADP, 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 for Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.

Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain

• Arthritis

• Spondylosis

• Back Pain

• Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints

• Trauma to Limbs

• Visual Disorders and Diseases

• Hearing Disorders

• Heart Disease

• Respiratory Disorders and Diseases

• Asthma

• Cystic Fibrosis

• Cerebrovascular Disease

• Peripheral vascular Disease

• Epilepsy

• Neurological Diseases

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Parkinsons Disease

• Motor Neurone Disease

• Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Diabetes Mellitus

• Metabolic Disease

• Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia

• Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia

• Learning Difficulties

• Psychosis

• Psychoneurosis

• Personality Disorder

• Dementia

• Behavioural Disorder

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse

• Hyperkinetic Syndrome

• Renal Disorders

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Bowel and Stomach Disease

• Blood Disorders

• Haemophilia

• Multi System Disorders

• Multiple Allergy Syndrome

• Skin Disease

• Malignant Disease

• Severely Mentally impaired

• Double Amputee

• Deaf/Blind

• Haemodialysis

• Frailty

• Total Parenteral Nutrition

• AIDS

• Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19

The guide below focuses on Attendance Allowance, but also applies to PADP. Full details about PADP can be fond on mygov.scot here.

What is Attendance Allowance?

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.

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.

This might include:

• Help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet

• Help to stay safe

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.

You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:

• a mental health condition

• learning difficulties

• a sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired

How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?

PADP is paid at the same rate as Attendance Allowance. You could receive either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week. This amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 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:

• paying for taxis

• helping towards bills

• paying for a cleaner or gardener

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.

Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?

No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money.

How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?

The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:

• Extra Pension Credit

• Housing Benefit Reduction

• Council Tax Reduction

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 Citizens Advice and Independent Age.

Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

How to claim PADP

You can apply online, over the phone, or by post for PADP. Full details can be found here.

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 (PIP) straight away - you may be able to get more money.

If you live in Scotland, you should apply for Adult Disability Payment - find out more here.

Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?

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.