People over State Pension age with health issues most-likely to get higher rate of Attendance Allowance
dailyrecord.co.ukThe latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of February 2024, more than 1.6 million older people were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance, including nearly 144,000 living in Scotland.
The benefit provides either £72.65 or £108.55 each week and as the benefit is typically paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period.
The level of weekly payment that someone receives depends on the level of care they need. DWP guidance explains that if you need “frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night” you will receive the lower rate of £72.65 and if you need “help or supervision throughout both day and night, or a medical professional has said you’re nearing the end of life” you will receive the higher rate of £108.55 The benefit is designed to help people of State Pension age cover the costs of additional daily living expenses as a result of their condition, but it can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer.
The latest statistics also show the percentage of claimants receiving Attendance Allowance by health condition. Overall, some 563,746 (36%) of people claiming Attendance Allowance have been given an award of five years or more.
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