Overview

• Official DWP figures show more than 1.7 million older people receive Attendance Allowance across Great Britain.
• Payments are £295.60 or £441.40 every four weeks depending on care needs, and the benefit has no mobility component.
• Arthritis is the most common reason for awards, and 78,845 people over 66 are claiming specifically for back pain.
• Awards do not affect the State Pension and can increase entitlement to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit reductions, or Council Tax reductions.
• In Scotland, new claims are handled through Pension Age Disability Payment via Social Security Scotland, with advocacy from VoiceAbility and support from Citizens Advice for applications.