People on DWP Attendance Allowance being moved to 'new benefit' worth £290

A new benefit for people who've previously claimed from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has been launched. Pension Age Disability Payment is worth between £290 and £434 a month and is paid to people over state pension age who need extra help because of an illness or disability

There are two different rates that can be paid. The lower rate is £72.65 a week and is awarded to people who need help or supervision during the day or night. The higher rate is £108.55 a week and this is for people who need help or supervision during the day and night.

Pension Age Disability Payment is being paid by Social Security Scotland, whereas Attendance Allowance is paid by the DWP. If you already claim Attendance Allowance in Scotland, you’ll be automatically moved to Pension Age Disability Payment by Social Security Scotland.

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Social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “As people continue to face a cost of living crisis it is more important than ever that older disabled people across Scotland get all the financial support they are entitled to. Today we are launching Pension Age Disability Payment, our 15th benefit, in five locations before it is rolled out across Scotland later next year. This new benefit has been developed by listening to older disabled people and we have made many changes, including making it easier for them to nominate someone to support them in their engagement with Social Security Scotland, something they told us was important to them.”

Debbie Horne, Scotland policy and public affairs manager at Independent Age, said: “We welcome today’s launch of Pension Age Disability Payment in the first five local authority areas. Support for the costs related to disability while in later life are an essential part of our social security system and a vital part of enabling dignity and independence as we age.

“Putting dignity and respect at the heart of how the payment is delivered is essential. We hope changes made to the payment, such as making it simpler for people at the end of their life to get support, result in an improved experience for older people applying for the payment in Scotland.

“We encourage all older people living in the pilot areas who may be eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment to apply, or get in touch with an independent advice service, such as Independent Age, who can help to ensure older people in Scotland receive all of the support they are entitled to.”