The tax-free benefit, paid by the Department for Work and Pensions<\/a> (DWP), is designed to help people over State Pension age with the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition. However, confusion about eligibility means thousands may never apply.<\/p>\n The benefit has been replaced in Scotland by Pension Age Disability Payment <\/a>(PADP), which follows similar eligibility rules and is paid at the same rates as Attendance Allowance.<\/p>\n READ MORE: New disability benefit could see pensioners paid within 10 days of claim<\/a>READ MORE: Pensioners claiming Attendance Allowance most likely to get \u00a3458 a month for five years<\/a>Attendance Allowance myths busted<\/p>\n Here are five myths that could be stopping pensioners claiming what they are entitled to.<\/p>\n Myth 1: You need a carer to qualify<\/strong><\/p>\n Attendance Allowance and PADP are based on the help you need, not the help you currently receive. Even if no one is providing regular care, you may qualify if you need assistance with personal care, supervision or staying safe.<\/p>\n Myth 2: It depends on income or savings<\/strong><\/p>\n Your income, savings and whether you own your home do not affect your entitlement. You can receive Attendance Allowance alongside the State Pension and other benefits.<\/p>\n Myth 3: It is only for physical disabilities<\/strong><\/p>\n Conditions such as dementia, Parkinson\u2019s, severe anxiety, depression or cognitive impairments may meet the criteria if they affect your ability to manage daily tasks or keep yourself safe.<\/p>\n What matters is how your condition affects you, not the diagnosis alone.<\/p>\n Myth 4: It is paid automatically after State Pension age<\/strong><\/p>\n Attendance Allowance and PADP are not awarded automatically. Eligible pensioners need to submit a claim and explain how their condition impacts their day-to-day life. If you do not apply, you will not receive the benefit.<\/p>\n Myth 5: You cannot claim if you live alone<\/strong><\/p>\n Many people wrongly assume Attendance Allowance and PADP are only for those receiving regular care. In fact, people who live alone may qualify if they need supervision, reminders or help to stay safe.<\/p>\n How much is Attendance Allowance or PADP worth?<\/p>\n Attendance Allowance and PADP are paid at two weekly rates:<\/p>\n Lower rate – \u00a376.70<\/strong><\/p>\n Higher rate – \u00a3141.60<\/strong><\/p>\n The benefit is tax-free and can also increase entitlement to other support, including Pension Credit and Council Tax Reduction.<\/p>\n How to apply for Attendance Allowance or PADP<\/p>\n You can apply for Attendance Allowance or PADP if you have reached State Pension age and have had a disability or health condition affecting your daily life for at least six months.<\/p>\n Step 1: Request a claim form<\/p>\n Attendance Allowance<\/strong><\/p>\n Pension Age Disability Payment<\/strong><\/p>\n Step 2: Complete the form carefully<\/p>\n Attendance Allowance and PADP<\/strong><\/p>\n Step 3: Provide supporting evidence<\/p>\n Attendance Allowance and PADP<\/strong><\/p>\n Step 4: Return the form<\/p>\n Attendance Allowance and PADP<\/strong><\/p>\n Remember, Attendance Allowance and PADP are based on the help you need, not the help you get. Do not underplay your difficulties.<\/p>\n Who should apply for Attendance Allowance or PADP?<\/p>\n If you experience any of the following, you should consider making a claim.<\/p>\n Washing, bathing and looking after your appearance<\/p>\n You need help:<\/strong><\/p>\n Going to the toilet<\/p>\n You need help:<\/strong><\/p>\n Help with medical treatment<\/p>\n You need help:<\/strong><\/p>\n Supervision<\/p>\n You need:<\/strong><\/p>\n Getting dressed or undressed<\/p>\n You need help:<\/strong><\/p>\n Mealtimes<\/p>\n You need help eating and drinking.<\/p>\n Communicating<\/p>\n You need help:<\/strong><\/p>\n Getting around indoors<\/p>\n You need help:<\/strong><\/p>\n Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?<\/p>\n You won’t be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).<\/p>\n Join the conversation on our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group<\/a> for money-saving tips, the latest State Pension and benefits news, energy bill advice and cost of living updates.<\/p>\n Sign up to our Record Money newsletter and get the top stories sent to your inbox daily from Monday to Friday with a special cost of living edition every Thursday – sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can also follow us on X<\/strong> (formerly Twitter) @Recordmoney_<\/a> for regular updates throughout the day or get money news alerts on your phone by joining our Daily Record Money WhatsApp community<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
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