The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of August 2022, more than 1.4 million people over State Pension age were receiving additional weekly financial support through Attendance Allowance. Following the annual uprating in April, the benefit is now worth either £68.10 or £101.75 each week.
Of the overall total, some 25,279 people living in Scotland are also in receipt of the tax-free benefit that is designed to support older people with daily living expenses and can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer. While the most common disabling condition is arthritis (404,369 claimants), there are also thousands of older people getting support for more than 20 'gastrointestinal conditions'.
This is an umbrella term used by DWP as the main category of disabling condition recorded at the time of application, which also includes sub-categories and then specific health conditions such as Colitis or Crohn's Disease (Inflammatory bowel diseases), Coeliac disease (Diseases of the small bowel) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
New claimants for Attendance Allowance could also qualify for the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment due to be made this summer by the UK Government to help households with the increased cost of living. No qualifying period has been announced yet, so the sooner a new claim is submitted the greater the likelihood that it could meet the eligibility requirements.
There are now 12.6 million people of State Pension age across the country and many may not be aware of eligibility for Attendance Allowance or how to claim. Here is everything you need to know about the benefit including the list of gastrointestinal conditions.
However, just because a condition you may have is not listed, does not mean it is not supported through Attendance Allowance. It’s also important to note that Attendance Allowance provides support for a multitude of health conditions - you can read more about these here.
Gastrointestinal conditions
This is the umbrella term of conditions recorded by DWP at the time of application. It is the main overall category for the sub group and then group of conditions. The sub group is in larger text below. While no two conditions can be compared side-by-side, these groupings are set in place by DWP for recording purposes only and not a reflection of the condition itself.
Diseases of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum
- Hiatus hernia / gastroesophageal reflux disease / reflux oesophagitis
- Oesophageal varices
- Oesophagus, stomach and duodenum - Other diseases of / type not known
- Peptic ulcer (gastric and duodenal)/gastritis
Diseases of the small bowel
- Coeliac disease
- Small bowel - Other diseases of / type not known
Inflammatory bowel disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
Diseases of the colon
- Colon - Other diseases of / type not known
- Constipation
- Diverticular disease / diverticulitis
Diseases of the rectum and anus
- Anorectal abscess
- Fistula in anus
- Haemorrhoids
- Rectal prolapse
- Rectum/anus - Other diseases of / type not known
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Benign tumours of the gastrointestinal tract
Abdominal hernias
- Hernia
Congenital disorders of the GI tract
- Cleft lip
- Cleft lip with cleft palate
- Hirschprung Disease
- Tracheo-oesophageal fistula/atresia
Other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
- Attention to artificial opening colostomy/ileostomy/ stoma - no underlying diagnosis
- Gastrointestinal tract - Other diseases of / type not known
What is Attendance Allowance?
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:
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
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:
a mental health condition
learning difficulties
a sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired
How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?
You could receive £68.10 if you need help during the day or at night or £101.75 if you need help during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks , which means you could receive either £272.40 or £407.00 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:
paying for taxis
helping towards bills
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:
Extra Pension Credit
Housing Benefit Reduction
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 your nearest Citizens Advice, so don't let the form put you off applying.
If you'd prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. 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. People in Scotland will need to make a new claim for Adult Disability Payment, the benefit is replacing PIP north of the border.
Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?
You won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or 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.
To keep up to date with the latest State Pension news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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