Scots with disabilities & health conditions urged to apply for £5,740 from tomorrow

Scots with disabilities and health conditions are being urged to check if they’re eligible for financial support worth up to £5,740 a year. The advice comes from the UK’s largest community of unpaid carers ahead of the benefit being made available across Scotland next week.

Pension Age Disability Payment – a benefit aimed at helping disabled people above retirement age cover care costs –  is replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland, with applications opening nationwide tomorrow – Tuesday 22nd April.

Pension Age Disability Payment rates also increased this month, but Scots are at risk of missing out.

Whilst those already claiming Attendance Allowance will automatically be transferred to the new support, an estimated 1 million people are missing out on the outgoing benefit. This puts Scots amongst this group at risk of losing out on Pension Age Disability Payment, too. 

The care experts at Mobilise aim to raise awareness of the disability benefit and the difference it could make for Scots missing out, if they check they are eligible and apply. 

What is the Pension Age Disability Payment?

Almost half (45%) of people above retirement age in the UK have some form of disability. Pension Age Disability Payment aims to help these individuals cover the cost of care.

The monthly payment is split into two rates, depending on the level of care which is required. Both rates increased on 7th April:

  • The lower rate (for those who require either day or night care) increased from £72.65 to £73.90 a week – £3,842.80 a year, in total
  • The higher rate (for those who require both day and night care, and those who are terminally ill) increased from £108.55 to £110.40 a week – £5,740.80 a year, in total

Who is eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment? 

To be eligible for Pension Age Disability Payments, you must meet certain criteria, including:

  • Be of state pension age (66) or over
  • Have a disability or health condition (you can still apply if you’re waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis)
  • Have required care for at least six months (you can also apply before this point, as payments will begin six months from when successful applicants’ care needs started)

If you live in a care home and your care is funded by the local authority, you are unlikely to be eligible. However, if your care is privately funded, you may still apply. 

How to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment

From 22nd April, anyone who believes they are eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment can apply – either online using myaccount or via the post. Postal applications can be started by calling Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. There is a separate fast-track application process for those who are terminally ill.

If you already receive Attendance Allowance you do not need to apply as you will automatically be moved to Pension Age Disability Payments.

There are two parts to the application form. You will need certain information to hand to complete each part and must submit these within 2 weeks and 8 weeks respectively, or contact Social Security Scotland if you need more time.

Details about the information required is available here. A loved one or carer can also help you complete the application form.

What support is available for carers?

It’s not just people that need care who are eligible for support. If you look after a loved one, you could also be entitled to help from the Government.

Carer Support Payment is the main benefit available to carers living in Scotland, and comes in the form of monthly payments. As with Pension Age Disability Payments, the rate increased this month. From April, Carer Support Payments are rising from £81.90 to £83.30 a week – £4331.60 a year, in total.

To be eligible for Carer Support Payment, you must meet a number of requirements. You can check if you’re eligible using Mobilise’s free claim checker tool. If you’re entitled to Carer Support Payment, you can apply online, by phone, by post, or in-person. See the Scottish Government’s website for full details.

For more guidance on the financial support available to people with care needs and unpaid carers, care experts are on hand to help via the Mobilise website.

Worried this winter? Let’s chat

A new campaign, Worried this winter? Let’s chat, has launched today to raise awareness of the support available to anyone concerned about their energy bills. 

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) worked with five CABs across Scotland to run local focus groups and get to the heart of the issues being experienced across Scottish communities this winter.

From feelings of embarrassment and anxiety to dread and misery, the picture was clear: more needs to be done to support communities worried about the cost of energy this winter.

That’s why CAS is launching this campaign to raise awareness of the free and confidential support CABs can offer anyone concerned about keeping the heating on.

To launch the campaign, CAS worked with Scottish poet Kevin McLean to create a poem based on the experiences of households with energy debt. With a focus on the emotions and feelings experienced, the poem will be used to encourage more people to get advice whether they are currently in debt or struggling to keep up with payments.

This campaign will run from today until the end of February 2025.

Derek Mitchell, CEO of Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “As energy costs continue to soar, thousands of people across Scotland are worried about how they can afford to keep their lights on and heat their homes this winter.

“Seeking support on energy debt is one of the most common reasons people walk through their local CAB doors. But taking that step can be daunting. Many are worried and anxious about what can be done and are being forced to self-ration heat, live in cold and dark homes, and skip meals just so they can feed their children. This simply isn’t good enough.

“This campaign is just a small step towards breaking down the barriers to support and highlight the stark reality many people face this winter. If this is you or someone you know, please know the Citizens Advice network is here to help. While we are known for the advice we give, CAS also has a responsibility to raise awareness and advocate for change, and we’ll do all we can to ensure a fairer Scotland for all.”

Chief Executive of Consumer Scotland, Sam Ghibaldan, said: “With ongoing affordability and debt challenges facing consumers, in addition to rising energy bills over the winter, this campaign comes at a crucial time for households across Scotland.

“Consumer Scotland’s research demonstrates that many consumers are continuing to struggle with energy costs, particularly those on low incomes or with high essential energy needs, so it is vital consumers know help and support is available.

“We are pleased to support the Worried this Winter campaign to ensure consumers have access to a range of free and confidential information, including advice on their energy bills and the financial support available.”

The poem can be viewed in the new campaign video here:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2GlTeGEToU&feature=youtu.be

Watching the meter tick
Second guessing every flick
Of the light switch

It’s no way to live

The pressure to count every penny just right
Scraping by no end in sight
Never truly in control of your life

What do you do?

When the doors you find
Were built to keep you out
When the signs you see
All point to roundabouts

When you have cut every cost you can
Grabbed on to every helping hand
When you’ve worked
And scrapped
And saved
And planned

But the meter still ticks

There is no simple fix
And it takes time to change
The way the system is

But we will work
Each and every day
To help you navigate
Your way to a place
Where peace can exist

Where the ticking of the meter
Isn’t all there is