Kim
More than 1.7 million people over State Pension age across Great Britain—including around 150,000 in Scotland—could be eligible for up to £1,362 per month in combined financial support. This comes from Attendance Allowance (AA) or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) alongside the State Pension.
These benefits are non-means-tested and tax-free, aimed at helping older people with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or mental health conditions maintain independence at home.
What Are Attendance Allowance and PADP?
- Attendance Allowance (AA) applies in England and Wales, run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
- Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) applies in Scotland and is managed by Social Security Scotland, replacing AA entirely for Scottish claimants by the end of 2025.
Both are paid independently of the State Pension, focusing on personal care and supervision needs. They do not include a mobility component.
How Much Can You Get?
| Benefit Type | Weekly Rate | Four-Weekly Payment | Annual Total (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AA / PADP – Lower rate | £73.90 | £295.60 | £3,843 |
| AA / PADP – Higher rate | £110.40 | £441.60 | £5,740 |
| New State Pension (full) | £230.25 | £921 | £11,973 |
| Basic State Pension (full) | £176.45 | £705.80 | £9,175 |
A pensioner on the full New State Pension (£921 per 4 weeks) plus the higher rate disability benefit (£441.60 per 4 weeks) can reach £1,362 monthly.
Who Qualifies?
For Attendance Allowance (England & Wales)
You may qualify if:
- You are at State Pension age (currently 66).
- You have a physical or mental health condition that requires help or supervision during the day, night, or both.
- Your condition has lasted (or will last) at least six months—unless you are terminally ill.
- You are not already receiving PIP, DLA, or ADP.
For PADP (Scotland)
- Same care-need criteria as AA.
- Open to people over State Pension age with personal care or supervision needs.
- Existing Scottish AA claimants will be automatically moved to PADP—no reapplication required.
Health Conditions Supported
These are some of the most common conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP (list is not exhaustive):
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- Back pain
- Disease of the muscles, bones, or joints
- Trauma to limbs
- Visual disorders and diseases
- Hearing disorders
- Heart disease
- Respiratory disorders (e.g., asthma, cystic fibrosis)
- Cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke effects)
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Epilepsy
- Neurological diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, motor neurone disease)
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Diabetes mellitus
- Metabolic diseases
- Traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia
- Major trauma injuries
- Learning difficulties
- Mental health conditions (psychosis, psychoneurosis, personality disorders)
- Dementia and behavioural disorders
- Alcohol or drug dependency
- Hyperkinetic syndrome
- Renal disorders
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Bowel and stomach diseases
- Blood disorders (including haemophilia)
- Multi-system disorders
- Multiple allergy syndrome
- Skin diseases
- Malignant diseases (cancer)
- Severe mental impairment
- Double amputation
- Deaf/blind conditions
- Haemodialysis patients
- Frailty
- Total parenteral nutrition
- AIDS and other infectious diseases
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) effects
Additional Benefits You Might Unlock
Claiming AA or PADP may increase or enable:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment
- Free TV licence (over 75s), prescriptions, and NHS dental treatment
How to Apply
- England & Wales: Download or request the Attendance Allowance claim form from GOV.UK or call the AA helpline.
- Scotland: Apply for PADP when open in your area. If you’re already on AA, you will be transferred automatically.
Help is available from Citizens Advice or the VoiceAbility advocacy service (Scotland).
If you are over State Pension age and living with a long-term health condition or disability, you could be missing out on up to £1,362 per month.
Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment are non-means-tested, tax-free, and designed to help you remain independent while covering essential extra costs.
It only takes a claim to start receiving this vital support—check your eligibility today.
FAQs
Can I claim these benefits if I’m still working?
Yes—employment status does not affect AA or PADP eligibility.
Will my savings or income affect my claim?
No—these benefits are not means-tested.
Do I need a diagnosis to apply?
Not always—you can still apply if you have symptoms that require daily living support.