Latest news with #AttendanceAllowance
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
DWP Attendance Allowance rules older people must be aware of
The DWP has issued guidance on Attendance Allowance payments and what to do if your circumstances change The most recent figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) suggest that nearly 1.7 million Brits are claiming Attendance Allowance. Yet, many recipients might not realise that they need to promptly inform the DWP's Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 about any life changes. This is particularly true if their health condition alters or if they're admitted to hospital – since these can impact their eligibility or benefit amount. The website lays down a stern warning from the DWP: "You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances." It then details the specific updates that must be communicated, as listed below, reports the Daily Record. Reporting a change in circumstances If your circumstances change, the amount you get from Attendance Allowance may go up or down. You must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline straight away if: the level of help you need or your condition changes - you'll need to provide details like if the amount of times you need help each day has changed you go into hospital or a care home - you'll need to provide the address, the dates you've been there for, and how your stay is paid for a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live you plan to leave the country for more than 4 weeks you go into prison you change your name, address or bank details you want to stop receiving your benefit your doctor's details change your immigration status changes, if you're not a British citizen If you're not sure if a change affects your Attendance Allowance benefit, it's worthwhile contacting the DWP to check - full details on here. It's crucial to remember that according to DWP guidelines, if your circumstances alter, the amount you receive from Attendance Allowance may fluctuate. Reporting a change if you need more help Consider contacting the DWP to report a change if you feel you need more support due to a disability or illness. This could mean extra help or supervision throughout the day or at certain times during the night - even if you don't currently receive that help. This could 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 think about reporting a change if you're finding it increasingly difficult to complete personal tasks, for instance, if they take you longer, cause pain, or if you need physical support, like a chair to lean on. However, remember that Attendance Allowance isn't solely for people with a physical disability or illness. You should also consider reporting a change if you need more help or supervision throughout the day or night and have: a mental health condition learning difficulties a sensory condition - if you are deaf or blind You can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. Full details about reporting a change can be found on the website here. There are more than 50 physical or mental health conditions being supported by Attendance Allowance and even if you're already claiming for one of these, another may have developed or your current condition may have become more debilitating. Health issues supported by Attendance Allowance Support is also provided for People who are terminally ill. Arthritis Spondylosis Back Pain – Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified Disease of The Muscles, Bones or Joints Trauma to Limbs Blindness Deafness Heart disease Chest disease Asthma Cystic Fibrosis Cerebrovascular Disease Peripheral vascular Disease Epilepsy Neurological Diseases Multiple Sclerosis Parkinson's 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 How much could I get on Attendance Allowance? From April 7, you could be eligible for £73.90 (lower rate) if you require assistance during the day or at night, or £110.40 (higher rate) if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, which means you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 each pay period. The money can be spent as you see fit and it could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for longer. This might include: paying for taxis helping towards bills paying for a cleaner or gardener Can I claim Attendance Allowance 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
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
People on key DWP benefit could get up to £447 every month next year
Attendance Allowance 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 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new figures showing that nearly 1.7 million elderly individuals are now receiving extra financial aid through Attendance Allowance. The allowance, currently valued at either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, is intended to assist those of State Pension age with daily living costs - it does not cater to mobility requirements. In Scotland, this benefit has been superseded by the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), which adheres to a similar eligibility and payment framework. Both benefits, along with other disability allowances administered by DWP, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer's Allowance, are set to increase next year in line with the September inflation rate. This figure is expected to be announced in mid-October, with the benefit uprating confirmed during the Autumn Budget. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate for June stood at 3.6 per cent. If the CPI inflation rate remains at 3.6 per cent, the lower rate of Attendance Allowance will increase from £73.90 to £76.55, equating to £306.20 every four-week payment period. Those on the higher rate would see their weekly payments rise from £110.40 to £114.35, totalling £457.40 every four-week pay period. The Scottish Government is responsible for determining the uprating for all devolved benefits, including PADP, and typically aligns with the uprating set by the UK Government under the CPI inflation rate. The confirmed rate will be announced in the Scottish Budget before the year's end, reports the Daily Record. It's crucial to bear in mind that there are still three more CPI inflation rates to be revealed by the ONS before we can definitively ascertain how much Attendance Allowance or PADP will increase from April 2026. Understanding how the uprating is calculated and its current status can aid in future planning. Here's everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance, including the primary health conditions being claimed, eligibility criteria, and how to lodge a claim. Who is eligible to claim Attendance Allowance or PADP? You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance or PADP if you have a disability or illness and require assistance or supervision throughout the day or at certain times during the night - even if you're not currently receiving that help. This could encompass: 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 consider applying if you struggle with personal tasks, such as those that take a considerable amount of time, cause discomfort or require physical assistance, like needing a chair for support. Attendance Allowance and PADP are not exclusively for individuals with a physical disability or illness. It's also advisable to claim if you require assistance or supervision throughout the day or night due to: a mental health condition learning difficulties a sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired How much could I receive? You could be eligible for either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) per week. This equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 each pay period. The funds can be used however you see fit and could assist in maintaining your independence at home for a longer duration. Potential uses might include: covering taxi fares contributing towards bills hiring a cleaner or gardener Can I claim Attendance Allowance or PADP even if I have savings and other income? Absolutely. Both benefits are not means-tested, so your other income sources or the amount you have in savings are irrelevant - there's no upper limit. Both benefits are also tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, ensuring no deductions from any other benefits. Will Attendance Allowance or PADP impact my State Pension? No, they won't affect your State Pension and you can still claim even if you're currently employed and earning an income. How does Attendance Allowance or PADP influence other benefits? The other perks you may receive could increase if you're eligible for Attendance Allowance or PADP, these include:. Additional Pension Credit Housing Benefit Reduction Council Tax Reduction How do I apply? To apply for Attendance Allowance, you'll need to fill out a lengthy claim form. It might seem intimidating initially, but assistance is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don't let the form deter you from applying. If you'd rather handle it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to complete your claim form here. Comprehensive instructions on how to obtain the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the website here. What happens if I'm nearing State Pension age? If you're considering applying for Attendance Allowance or PADP upon reaching State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment immediately - you could potentially receive more money. Who is ineligible for Attendance Allowance? Elderly individuals residing in Scotland can no longer claim Attendance Allowance and must instead apply for Pension Age Disability Payment. You won't qualify for Attendance Allowance if you're already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while receiving DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award instead. You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you have the option to apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
People on Attendance Allowance could be due up to £447 every month next year
The September CPI figure published in October will determine the annual uprating for DWP disability benefits. 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 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 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.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Pensioners claiming new health benefit could get first payment before end of this month
Pension Age Disability Payment has replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance in Scotland. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? The latest figures from Social Security Scotland show there were 1,875 people over 66 receiving Pension Age Disability Payments (PADP), the new devolved benefit that has now replaced all claims for Attendance Allowance north of the border. People of State Pension age with a disability, long-term illness or health condition could be eligible for the lower rate of £73.90 if they need help during the day or at night, or the higher rate of £110.40, if they need help during the day and at night, or if they are terminally ill. For anyone thinking about making a new claim, the latest data indicates the average processing time - from point of application to decision award letter - is currently six working days. For those applying with a terminal illness it is one working day. This means people submitting a new claim this week could receive a letter or an email before next weekend. However, it's important to be aware that complex cases may take longer and as awareness about the new benefit grows, that timeframe will undoubtedly increase. Insights from Social Security Scotland also shows the most common age of claimants is currently over 75. It also reveals that of the 2,575 applications processed - with a decision made by April 30 - 77 per cent were authorised, 11 per cent were denied and 11 per cent were withdrawn. Most successful applicants received the higher rate. Of all authorised applications, 79 per cent were awarded the higher level of 110.40 per week and 21 per cent were awarded the lower level of £73.90 over the period to 30 April 2025. 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. 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 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 Scottish Government said PADP has been designed with the help of people who will be eligible for the benefit and those who support them. Improvements include a streamlined process for people to nominate a third party representative who can support them to communicate with Social Security Scotland. A fast-track process will be put in place for applicants diagnosed with a terminal illness. As already mentioned, this takes just one working day on average to process. Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment Guidance on provides full details on who can claim, how to claim, additional help available, what happens after a claim is submitted and extra support for successful claimants. Find out more here. You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both: Reached State Pension age (66) Had care needs during the day or night for 6 months or more because of a disability or health condition You can still apply if: You have not had care needs for 6 months or more - your award will begin 6 months from when your care needs started if your application is successful You are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis You have a terminal illness - there is a separate fast-track application process if you're terminally ill It's important to be aware you cannot get Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time. Existing claimants will automatically move to Pension Age Disability Payment - Social Security Scotland will do this and you will not have to do anything. If you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you do not need to do anything. Your benefit will move to Social Security Scotland. Payment rates for Pension Age Disability Payment Social Security Scotland will provide Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance. It is also currently doing this for the devolved Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment. The weekly payment rates for Attendance Allowance are: Lower rate - £73.90 Higher rate - £110.40 How do I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment? You can only apply for the new disability assistance benefit if it has opened in your area. You can check on the dedicated pages on here. Anyone over State Pension age with a disability that means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP. Get support making a claim from an independent advocate Help is also available from the independent advocacy service VoiceAbility, which is funded by the Scottish Government, to help disabled people applying for devolved benefits. It provides a free, nationwide advocacy service supporting disabled people to access Social Security Scotland benefits. If you need an advocate, you should: contact Social Security Scotland for free on 0800 182 2222 ask them to refer you to the Independent Advocacy Service Full contact details can be found here.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP PIP payment rates could rise by up to £26.80 per week from April 2026
The DWP is expected to confirm the uprating of Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, and Carer's Allowance in the Autumn Budget The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently revealed that plans to reform Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have been postponed. The plans will resume after a review into the current assessment process has been completed, expected by next Autumn. However, the DWP also confirmed that the disability benefit will continue to rise each year in line with the September inflation rate. This is set to be published in mid-October with the benefit uprating confirmed at the Autumn Budget. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate for June was 3.6%. If the CPI inflation rate remains at 3.6%, individuals on the highest awards of the daily living and mobility components of PIP would see payments increase from £187.45 per week to £194.15, an uplift of £6.70. As payments are typically issued every four weeks this amounts to £776.60, a boost of £26.80. PIP is currently valued between £29.20 and £187.45 each week, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. An uprating of 3.6% would see payments be worth between £30.25 and £194.15 every week, some £121.00 and £776.60 every four-week payment period, reports the Daily Record. It's crucial to bear in mind there are still three more CPI inflation rates to be announced by the ONS before we can definitively know how much PIP, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Carer's Allowance will increase from April 2026. Understanding the impact of CPI inflation rates now can make it easier to comprehend the annual uprating process before the Autumn Budget. PIP payment rate predictions 2026/27 PIP would be paid at the following amounts per week under 3.6% CPI uprating: Daily living Standard rate: £73.90 (£76.55) Enhanced rate: £110.40 (£114.35) Mobility Standard rate: £29.20 (£30.25) Enhanced rate: £77.05 (£79.80) The next ONS CPI inflation rate is due to be published on August 20. The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now over 3.7 million people across Great Britain receiving additional financial support through PIP. Many people may be unaware that PIP can provide support for over 530 health conditions. Both benefits could help people with daily living tasks or moving around, or both. However, it would not be beneficial to list all 536 conditions recorded by DWP during the PIP application process as an award for the disability benefit is determined by how a person's health condition affects their ability to perform daily living tasks such as cooking, washing, eating, dressing and engaging with other people in a safe and timely way. There are also awards to help if you have difficulty moving around. This means that every claim for PIP is unique for each applicant, which could also help people thinking about making a new claim to start the process. Below is a full overview of PIP, including the five most-claimed conditions and the main disabling conditions, as classified by the DWP. PIP cannot be backdated, but payments start from the date the claim was submitted, to cover the handling time at the DWP. Total number of categories, recorded by DWP: Disability category - 21 Disability Sub Group - 178 Disability - 536 Five most-claimed PIP health conditions The five most commonly recorded disabling conditions for claims under normal rules are: Psychiatric disorder - 39% of claims Musculoskeletal disease (general) - 19% of claims Neurological disease - 13% of claims Musculoskeletal disease (regional) - 12% of claims Respiratory disease - 4% of claims PIP can provide weekly financial support to people with additional costs due to a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition. Many people may be unaware that PIP can provide support for hundreds of health conditions. Both benefits could help people with daily living tasks or moving around, or both. Disabling conditions recorded by DWP These are the main disability categories, the umbrella term by which more than 530 other conditions fall under. This list is only an overview of conditions, disorders and diseases and how the DWP lists the main disabilities being claimed for. Haematological Disease Infectious disease Malignant disease Metabolic disease Psychiatric disorders Neurological disease Visual disease Hearing disorders Cardiovascular disease Gastrointestinal disease Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract Skin disease Musculoskeletal disease (general) Musculoskeletal disease (regional) Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) Genitourinary disease Endocrine disease Respiratory disease Multisystem and extremes of age Diseases of the immune system Unknown or missing Who might be eligible for PIP? To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP. preparing, cooking or eating food managing your medication washing, bathing or using the toilet dressing and undressing engaging and communicating with other people reading and understanding written information making decisions about money planning a journey or following a route moving around There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the website here. DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment How is PIP paid? PIP is usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. PIP payment rates You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP is made up of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. For the weekly rates, see the guide already mentioned in this article. How you are assessed You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware that the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here. How do you make a claim for PIP? You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the website here. your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
