It is estimated Chronic Pain Syndrome affects one in five people across Scotland and is defined as persistent pain that carries on for longer than 12 weeks, despite medication or treatment. It can also affect people living with other long-term conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and back pain.
Many people over State Pension age with chronic pain may not be aware they could be due either £72.65 or £108.55 each week in extra financial support through Attendance Allowance. This is a benefit designed specifically to help pensioners with additional daily living expenses due to a disability, long-term illness, or mental or physical health condition.
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show 5,342 people over 66 are receiving financial support for chronic pain, including 538 living in Scotland. Below is everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance including eligibility and how to make a new claim.
It’s important to be aware that older people in five local authority areas will be the first in Scotland to be eligible for a new disability benefit which is set to replace Attendance Allowance for people living north of the border only.
Pension Age Disability Payment will be rolled out in phases from Monday, October 21, starting in Argyll and Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney and Shetland.
The benefit will become available in 13 more local authority areas in March next year before rolling out nationwide across Scotland by April, 2025. Pension Age Disability Benefit will follow largely similar eligibility rules as Attendance Allowance, so this guide may also be helpful for them.
What is Attendance Allowance?
There are currently more than 1.6 million people of State Pension age claiming this tax-free benefit from the DWP, including nearly 144,000 in Scotland.
Attendance Allowance 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 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:
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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
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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 isn’t 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:
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a mental health condition
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learning difficulties
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a sensory condition – if you are deaf or visually impaired
How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?
You could receive either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week. This amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 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:
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paying for taxis
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helping towards bills
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paying for a cleaner or gardener
Can I claim Attendance Allowance even 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:
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Extra Pension Credit
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Housing Benefit Reduction
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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 Citizens Advice and Independent Age.
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 when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (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 GOV.UK website here.