People on Attendance Allowance could be due up to £447 every month next year
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 currently worth either £73.90 or £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 has been replaced in Scotland by Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), which follows a similar eligibility and payment structure. Both benefits, and other disability benefits delivered by DWP, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer's Allowance will rise next year by the September inflation rate.
This is due to be published in mid-October with the benefit uprating confirmed at the Autumn Budget. The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate for June was 3.6 per cent.
If the CPI inflation rate stays at 3.6 per cent, the lower rate of Attendance Allowance will rise from £73.90 to £76.55, some £306.20 every four-week payment period. Someone on the higher rate would see payments go up from ££110.40 per week to £114.35, some £457.40 every four-week pay period.
The Scottish Government determines the uprating for all devolved benefits, including PADP and typically tends to follow the uprating set by the UK Government under the CPI inflation rate. The rate will be confirmed in the Scottish Budget before the end of the year.
It's important to remember there are still three more CPI inflation rates to be announced by the ONS before we know for certain how much Attendance Allowance or PADP will increase from April 2026.
However, being aware of how the uprating is calculated and what it's currently at can help plan ahead.
Below is everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance including the main health conditions being claimed, eligibility and how to make a claim.
Full details on Pension Age Disability Payment can be found on MYGOV.SCOT here.
Who can claim Attendance Allowance or PADP?
You should apply for Attendance Allowance or PADP 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 and PADP are not 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?
You could receive either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week. This amounts to either £295.60 or £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:
paying for taxis
helping towards bills
paying for a cleaner or gardener
Can I claim Attendance Allowance or PADP even if I have savings and other income?
Yes. Both benefits are not 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. Both benefits are 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 or PADP affect my State Pension?
No, they won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim if you're still working and earning money.
How does Attendance Allowance or PADP affect other benefits?
The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance or PADP, 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 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.
What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?
If you are thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance or PADP when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment straight away - you may be able to get more money.
Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?
Older people living in Scotland can no longer claim Attendance Allowance and need to claim Pension Age Disability Payment instead.
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.
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