An estimated 1.7 million people in the UK, all born before 1959, could be eligible to claim up to £1,362 per month through a combination of two significant benefits: Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). These payments are designed to support older individuals dealing with long-term illness, disability, or physical or mental health conditions—independently of the State Pension.
Both benefits are non-means-tested, meaning they are available regardless of income or savings, offering vital financial help for those needing support with daily living.
Understanding Attendance Allowance and PADP
Attendance Allowance (AA) is a benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, its equivalent is the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), which will be delivered by Social Security Scotland.
These benefits are available to individuals who develop a disability or serious health condition after reaching State Pension age, and are aimed at helping with the extra costs that come with reduced independence.
How Much Could You Get?
Depending on your level of need, either benefit offers one of two weekly rates:
| Rate | Weekly Payment | 4-Week Payment | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate | £73.90 | £295.60 | ~£295 |
| Higher Rate | £110.40 | £441.60 | ~£442 |
If someone qualifies for both Attendance Allowance and PADP (which may occur in transitional or overlapping eligibility cases), total support could theoretically reach £1,362 per month.
However, it’s more typical for individuals to receive one or the other based on their location (PADP in Scotland, Attendance Allowance elsewhere in the UK).
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility is based on the level of care needed, not the condition itself. These benefits are meant for those who:
- Have reached State Pension age
- Have a disability or long-term health condition that affects daily living
- Have needed help or supervision for at least six months
- Are not in a hospital or care home (some exceptions apply)
Commonly supported conditions include arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, heart disease, respiratory conditions, and other age-related illnesses—but the list on the DWP website is illustrative, not definitive.
Important Note:
Neither Attendance Allowance nor PADP includes a mobility component, so they are strictly focused on daily care and supervision needs, not transport or travel assistance.
What’s Different in Scotland?
The Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) is part of Social Security Scotland’s devolution of welfare powers, replacing Attendance Allowance with a system that aims to be more user-friendly.
While the rules for eligibility and payment rates remain largely the same, PADP features some key improvements in application and communication processes, including:
- Simpler application forms
- More options for support during the claims process
- A focus on dignity and respect in benefit delivery
How to Apply
For those who believe they may be eligible:
- Attendance Allowance: You can apply by post, and claim forms are available by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline or downloading them from the GOV.UK website.
- Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP): In Scotland, you can get application details through mygov.scot, the official Scottish Government portal.
Make sure to prepare information about how your condition affects daily activities such as dressing, bathing, eating, or managing medication.
Final Thoughts
Attendance Allowance and the upcoming PADP provide crucial financial support for older adults who may be struggling with health-related daily challenges. With over 1.7 million people potentially eligible, it’s worth reviewing your situation—or that of a loved one—to ensure these benefits aren’t being missed. They can be instrumental in helping pensioners live independently, comfortably, and with dignity.
