Latest news with #StatePension
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
People of State Pension age with joint pain could be due up to £441 each month
Older people with muscle or joint pain could receive either £73.90 or £110.40 each week through Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? Arthritis remains the most common condition being claimed by nearly 484,000 pensioners on Attendance Allowance across Great Britain, including 44,455 in Scotland. However, there are also 74,804 people over 66 claiming support for muscle, joint and back pain. Joint pain - particularly lower back pain - is very common and while it usually improves within a few weeks, it can sometimes last longer or keep coming back, especially as we get older. Some 2.5 million people across the UK experience back pain every day of the year and many may not be aware they could be entitled to financial support to help with any extra costs the condition causes. The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now 1.7 million older people receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance, including 150,000 living in Scotland. It's important to be aware that all new claims for Attendance Allowance have been replaced in Scotland with Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) - full details can be found here. Both payments are not means-tested and worth either £72.65 or £108.55 each week. They are designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses, but there is no mobility component attached to either benefit. Eligibility for Attendance Allowance or PADP is not affected by savings or income and is paid every four weeks which means someone on the lower rate will receive £295.60 every pay period while those on the higher rate will receive £441.40. Across Great Britain, an estimated 20m people have arthritis or other, similar conditions which affects the joints, so if you are living with arthritis, back, joint, muscle or chronic pain, you could be eligible for support. Many more people may be entitled to Attendance Allowance or PADP but simply do not know enough about it to make a claim. Below is an overview of what you should know about Attendance Allowance and PADP, including how to start your application. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the website here. It is also worth considering making a claim for Attendance Allowance - or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) if you or a family member are below State Pension age. You can find out more about claiming PIP or ADP here. Attendance Allowance and PADP in a nutshell Attendance Allowance and PADP 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 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 £73.90 if you need help during the day or at night or £110.40 if you need help 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 £441.40 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. Attendance Allowance and PADP 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 disability benefits affect my State Pension? No, neither benefit will 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 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 or PADP. 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. Full details on how to make a claim for PADP through Social Security Scotland can be found 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 PIP straight away - you may be able to get more money. 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 website here. How do I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment? You can apply for the new disability assistance benefit through Social Security Scotland, full details on here. 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
16 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
People could be due up to £441 a month from DWP for hearing conditions
Over 9,500 people above State Pension age are currently receiving Attendance Allowance due to a hearing condition Across Great Britain, it's estimated that 12 million adults are living with hearing impairment or deafness. However, fewer than 50,000 of them are receiving additional financial aid through Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). Over 9,500 people above State Pension age are currently receiving either £73.90 for the lower rate, or £110.40 for the higher rate of Attendance Allowance each week due to a hearing condition. Payments are typically made every four weeks, equating to either £296.60 or £441.60 per pay period. These disability benefits support 15 main hearing conditions, but this isn't an exhaustive list as the benefit caters to an ever-changing array of conditions, reports the Daily Record. If you, or someone you know, under State Pension age (66) has a hearing condition, consider making a new claim for PIP - find out more here. If you or someone you know is 66 or over and living with a hearing impairment, it's worth considering making a claim for Attendance Allowance. Currently, nearly 1.7 million people across Great Britain, including 150,000 in Scotland, are being supported by Attendance Allowance. Attendance Allowance is designed to assist those of State Pension age with daily living costs, potentially enabling them to maintain their independence at home for longer. It's crucial to note that unlike PIP, Attendance Allowance does not include a mobility component; these benefits solely provide support for additional daily living expenses. As of August 2024, the number of Attendance Allowance claimants for hearing impairments is as follows: Hearing conditions Conductive hearing loss Chronic secretory otitis media Chronic suppurative otitis media Conductive hearing loss - Other causes / type not known Conductive hearing loss due to Trauma Mastoiditis Otitis externa - chronic Otosclerosis Sensorineural hearing loss Deafness - congenital Labyrinthitis Menieres disease Presbyacusis Sensorineural hearing loss - Other causes / type not known Sensorineural hearing loss due to Trauma Other hearing conditions Mixed hearing loss Other diseases affecting hearing and balance Below is an overview of the benefit and how to make a new claim to DWP. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the website here. What is Attendance Allowance? Attendance Allowance is designed to assist with additional costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness that makes self-care challenging - it does not cater for mobility needs. It's not necessary to have a carer in order to apply. Who is eligible to apply? You should contemplate applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and require assistance or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night - even if you're not currently receiving 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 consider applying 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 solely for people with a physical disability or illness. You should also consider claiming 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 blind How much could I receive on Attendance Allowance? You could receive either £73.90 or £110.40 per week depending on the level of care your condition necessitates, which is paid every four weeks and equates to £296.60 and £441.60 respectively. The funds can be utilised in any way you see fit, potentially aiding in maintaining your independence at home for a longer period. This might include: paying for taxis helping towards bills paying for a cleaner or gardener Is it possible to claim even with savings and other income? Indeed. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so your other income sources or the amount of savings you possess are irrelevant - there's no upper limit. It's tax-free and you'll be exempt from the Benefit Cap, ensuring no deductions from any other benefits. Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension? No, it won't influence your State Pension and you can still claim it even if you're employed and earning. How do 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 You can check your State Pension age on the website here. How do I submit a claim? To apply for Attendance Allowance from DWP, you'll need to fill out an extensive claim form. It may 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 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 nearing State Pension age? If you're contemplating applying for Attendance Allowance upon reaching State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim PIP immediately. Who is ineligible to claim Attendance Allowance? You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you have a Scottish postcode, you need to claim PADP from Social Security Scotland - full details here. You also won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or 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.
Leader Live
17 hours ago
- General
- Leader Live
State pension error means parents could be owed thousands
In his latest update, Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis is highlighting a State Pension error which saw parents and carers who took time off work between 1978 and 2010 to look after children due £100,000 or more when they retire, known as Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP). The post says: "If you cared for a child or someone with a long-term disability between 1978 and 2010, you could wrongly have National Insurance gaps that reduce your State Pension. 100,000s could be affected, and while the Govt was contacting people, it isn't any longer - as highlighted by former Pensions Minister Steve Webb. Thus the onus is on you to proactively check. The impact can be huge." State Pension error! Did you take time off work (1978 to 2010) to look after children or someone with long term disability? You could be owed £10,000s Full help to check in... In brief: 100,000s wrongly have Nat Insurance gaps that reduce your State… Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) was given for full tax years (6 April to 5 April) between 1978 and 2010, if any of the following were true: National Insurance credits for parents and carers replaced HRP from 6 April 2010. Most people got HRP automatically if they were: If your partner claimed Child Benefit instead of you, you may be able to transfer HRP from a partner you lived with if they claimed Child Benefit while you both cared for a child under 16 and they do not need the HRP. If you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2008, you cannot transfer HRP. If you became a parent before May 2000, you may have Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) missing from your National Insurance record. This could mean you're missing out on State Pension payments. Check if you can apply for HRP below. ⬇️ If you spent at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a long-term illness or disability between 6 April 1978 and 5 April 2002, you may also be able to claim. They must have been getting one of the following benefits: The benefit must have been paid for 48 weeks of each tax year on or after 6 April 1988 or every week of each tax year before 6 April 1988. You do not need to apply for HRP if you were getting Carer's Allowance. You'll automatically get National Insurance credits and would not usually have needed HRP, but check - just to be sure. In a post on X, HMRC said: "If you became a parent before May 2000, you may have Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) missing from your National Insurance record. This could mean you're missing out on State Pension payments." For someone with 13 missing years, who lives for another 20 years, it can be worth as much as £100,000 or more in State Pension payments. Recommended reading: You can also apply if, for a full tax year between 2003 and 2010, you were either: All of the following must also be true: You cannot get HRP for any complete tax year if you were a married woman or a widow and had chosen to pay reduced rate Class 1 National Insurance contributions as an employee (commonly known as the small stamp), or you had chosen not to pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions when self-employed
Scotsman
17 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
7 of the most overlooked ways over-60s can cut weekly bills
These tips could uncover hidden help and ease the squeeze if you're struggling with costs 🧾 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Many over-60s are unaware of support that could ease weekly financial pressure Forgotten schemes and habits can add up to big annual savings A few simple checks may reveal hidden entitlements Small changes can make a noticeable difference to everyday costs This guide highlights often-missed ways to reduce outgoings later in life With the cost of living still biting hard, older people across the UK are increasingly looking for ways to cut costs and ease the pressure on their weekly outgoings. The good news? There are plenty of schemes, discounts, and overlooked habits that can help reduce bills - especially if you're aged 60 or over. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From hidden benefits to everyday tips, here's a guide to some of the things often forgotten about that could make a real difference to your finances. A single change might save you just £5 a week, but stack a few together and you could end up with hundreds of pounds extra each year. (Photo: Pexels) | Pexels Pension Credit One of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK is Pension Credit. Around 850,000 eligible households miss out on it each year. If you're over State Pension age and on a low income, this top-up can boost your weekly income and unlock additional help, such as: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A free TV licence (if you're 75 or over) Council Tax reductions Help with NHS costs Warm Home Discount Housing Benefit (if renting) It's worth checking even if you own your home or have savings—eligibility is more flexible than many people realise. You can check and apply via the website or by calling the Pension Credit claim line (0800 99 1234). Council Tax reduction Many over-60s pay too much Council Tax without realising they may be entitled to a discount. You could be eligible for a reduction if: You live alone (Single Person Discount) You're on a low income or receive benefits You or someone you live with has a disability You care for someone in the household You live with someone who is severely mentally impaired (and they may be 'disregarded' for Council Tax purposes) Each council has its own scheme, so check with your local authority - even small reductions can save you hundreds over the course of a year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Senior Railcard and bus pass Transport is a weekly cost that adds up quickly. If you're 60 or over, don't forget: Senior Railcard: Costs £30 a year and gets you 1/3 off most rail fares. Over time, it can pay for itself many times over. Costs £30 a year and gets you 1/3 off most rail fares. Over time, it can pay for itself many times over. Free bus pass: Available to those over 60 in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and to people of State Pension age in England. It's valid for local bus travel, and in some areas, it can also be used on trams or trains. It's not just about leisure trips - using your bus pass for errands or appointments can chip away at weekly fuel or fare costs. Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payments Older people often worry about the cost of keeping warm in winter. Two key supports can help: Winter Fuel Payment: Available to most people born before 25 September 1957 (for winter 2024/25). It's automatic if you claim certain benefits like Pension Credit (see above) Available to most people born before 25 September 1957 (for winter 2024/25). It's automatic if you claim certain benefits like Pension Credit (see above) Warm Home Discount: A one-off discount on your electricity bill (around £150) between October and March. You'll usually qualify automatically if you get Pension Credit, but some suppliers have broader criteria - so check with yours. Also check if your energy supplier offers a priority services register - this may give you extra support, including advance notice of power cuts or meter readings if you have mobility issues. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Switch to social tariffs for broadband and mobile If you're receiving Pension Credit or certain other benefits, you could qualify for a social tariff for broadband and phone services. These offer fast internet and mobile plans at heavily discounted prices - some from as little as £10–£20 per month. Major providers like BT, Virgin Media, and Sky now offer these deals, but they rarely advertise them, so you'll need to ask. Even if you're not on benefits, it's worth calling your provider and asking for a cheaper deal or matching a competitor's rate. Water bill help and free home upgrades Water companies across the UK offer discounts for low-income households and those with medical conditions that require more water use. This includes: WaterSure: A cap on bills if you use a water meter and have high essential usage Social tariffs: Localised schemes offering reduced bills - check with your supplier Plus, some older homeowners can access free home energy upgrades like insulation, new boilers, or draft-proofing through local authority schemes or the Great British Insulation Scheme. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Use of discount cards and store loyalty schemes If you regularly shop in-store, don't overlook the discounts available to older people: Boots Over-60s Rewards: Extra Advantage Card points on health products Extra Advantage Card points on health products Specsavers Over-60s Discount: 20% off glasses (in most locations) 20% off glasses (in most locations) Supermarket loyalty apps (like Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, or My Morrisons): These often have exclusive lower prices for users You can also sign up to apps like Too Good To Go, which offers discounted food that would otherwise be thrown out. It's an easy way to save money while helping reduce waste. Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
17 hours ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Attendance Allowance: Martin Lewis highlights £5,600 benefit
Millions of older Brits could be missing out on vital extra cash to ease the cost of aging 💷 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Martin Lewis is urging pensioners to check if they qualify for Attendance Allowance The benefit offers up to £5,644 a year to help with care needs in later life It's not means-tested, so savings and income don't affect eligibility Over 1.1 million people may be missing out, often due to lack of awareness Common conditions like arthritis, dementia, and heart disease may qualify you Martin Lewis is urging older people to check if they qualify for a little-known benefit that could boost their income by over £5,600 a year — with no impact from savings or pensions. The consumer champion says Attendance Allowance, which supports people over State Pension age with health or care needs, is 'massively underclaimed', despite being worth thousands of pounds annually and offering crucial help as medical costs mount in later life. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'For many older people who are ill or start to face mental or physical disability, life doesn't just get tougher – it gets costlier too,' Lewis wrote in his latest MoneySavingExpert newsletter. Lewis highlights that an estimated 1.1 million eligible pensioners aren't claiming the benefit, often because they don't know they're entitled to it or assume they won't qualify. The money is yours to use however you like – whether that's on care, transport, heating, food delivery, or anything else that helps maintain quality of life. (Photos: Getty Images) | Getty Images What is Attendance Allowance? Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people aged 66 or over who have a disability, long-term illness, or mental health condition that means they need help with personal care or supervision. It offers: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad £73.90 per week for those needing support during either day or night (lower rate) £110.40 per week for those needing help day and night, or who are terminally ill (higher rate) That's worth up to £5,644 a year — and crucially, it's not means-tested, meaning you can claim it regardless of your income or savings. Who is eligible for Attendance Allowance? Conditions that could make you eligible include: Arthritis Asthma Dementia Heart disease Mental health conditions Parkinson's Disease Sight or hearing loss You don't need a formal diagnosis, and you don't need to be receiving hands-on care — just struggling with personal tasks like washing, dressing, or staying safe. Who can claim? To be eligible to claim Attendance Allowance, you must: Be State Pension age (currently 66 or over) Have had care needs for at least six months Live in Great Britain, and have done so for two of the past three years Not be claiming PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) If you or someone you know is struggling with health issues and over 66, it could be well worth a 20-minute check. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How to apply for Attendance Allowance The application process for Attendance Allowance can be lengthy and detailed, but support is available. Charities such as Age UK and Citizens Advice can help with the form and ensure you explain your needs clearly. You'll need: Your National Insurance number NHS number Any prescription lists, hospital appointments, or diagnosis letters Most decisions are based purely on the form – no medical assessment is required in most cases. More info and the application forms are available at or contact Age UK or Citizens Advice for support. Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
