The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK has revealed that nearly 1.5 million people over State Pension age are currently receiving financial support for various health conditions through Attendance Allowance. This includes over 132,000 residents in Scotland.
Attendance Allowance, a significant financial aid, offers either £68.10 or £101.75 weekly, amounting to £272.40 or £407.00 per pay period. This benefit is designed to assist older individuals with additional daily living expenses, enabling them to maintain independence in their homes for a longer duration.
Assistance grants for heart disease
Among the various health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance, heart-related issues are prominent, with more than 106,700 beneficiaries. These conditions include angina, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure.
In Scotland, coronary heart disease is notably prevalent. This condition arises when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become narrowed or blocked, potentially leading to angina or heart attacks.
Angina, characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscles, serves as a warning sign for potential heart attacks or strokes.
Numbers of people with heart disease in the UK
The UK sees approximately 96,000 new cases of angina annually, with around two million people diagnosed with this condition. Symptoms of angina include chest pain, which may feel dull, heavy, or tight, and can spread to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. It is often triggered by physical exertion. With appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, the risks associated with angina can be significantly reduced.
Eligibility for Attendance Allowance is not limited to physical disabilities or illnesses. Individuals with mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or sensory conditions (such as blindness or deafness) may also qualify.
The benefit is not means-tested, meaning it is available regardless of other income or savings, and it does not affect the recipient’s State Pension. Furthermore, receiving Attendance Allowance can potentially increase other benefits, such as Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction.
To apply for Attendance Allowance, one must complete a detailed claim form, which can be daunting. However, assistance is available from organizations like Citizens Advice.
It’s important to note that individuals already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for care needs are not eligible for Attendance Allowance. However, if their PIP or DLA award ends and they still meet the eligibility criteria, they can then apply for Attendance Allowance.
