Thousands of Scots can apply for new benefit worth £5.7k from TOMORROW – check if you're eligible
HELPING HAND Thousands of Scots can apply for new benefit worth £5.7k from TOMORROW – check if you're eligible
THOUSANDS of Scots can apply for a new benefit worth more than £5,000 starting tomorrow.
Pension Age Disability Payment helps disabled people cover care costs and is replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland.
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Pension Age Disability Payment helps disabled people cover care costs
Credit: Alamy
While those already claiming Attendance Allowance will automatically be transferred to the new support, an estimated one million people are missing out on the outgoing benefit.
The monthly payment is split into two rates, depending on the level of care which is required.
It's paid at two different rates, lower and higher. The amount you get depends on your care needs.
The lower rate is £73.90 a week and is for people who need help or supervision during the day or night - £3,842.80 a year in total.
The higher rate is £110.40 a week and is for people who need help or supervision during the day and night - £5,740.80 a year in total.
If you're terminally ill, you'll automatically get the higher rate.
Who is eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment?
To be eligible for Pension Age Disability Payments, you must meet certain criteria, including:
Be of state pension age (66) or over
Have a disability or health condition (you can still apply if you're waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis)
Have required care for at least six months (you can also apply before this point, as payments will begin six months from when successful applicants' care needs started)
If you live in a care home and your care is funded by the local authority, you are unlikely to be eligible. However, if your care is privately funded, you may still apply
How to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment
From tomorrow, April 22, anyone who believes they are eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment can apply - either online or via the post.
How to protect your pension and Inheritance from the new Budget
Postal applications can be started by calling Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. There is a separate fast-track application process for those who are terminally ill.
If you already receive Attendance Allowance, you do not need to apply as you will automatically be moved to Pension Age Disability Payments.
There are two parts to the application form. You will need certain information to hand to complete each part and must submit these within two weeks and eight weeks respectively, or contact Social Security Scotland if you need more time.
A loved one or carer can also help you complete the application form.
What support is available for carers?
If you look after a loved one, you could also be entitled to help from the Government.
Carer Support Payment is the main benefit available to carers living in Scotland, and comes in the form of monthly payments.
From this month, Carer Support Payments are rising from £81.90 to £83.30 a week - £4331.60 a year in total.
To be eligible for Carer Support Payment, you must meet a number of requirements. You can check if you're eligible using Mobilise's free claim checker tool.
If you're entitled to Carer Support Payment, you can apply online, by phone, by post, or in person.
For more guidance on the financial support available to people with care needs and unpaid carers, care experts are on hand to help via the Mobilise website.
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