The Scottish System: An overview
In Scotland, social security is devolved, and the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) has replaced Attendance Allowance for those over State Pension age who need care. The rules for receiving this benefit while in a care home apply to PADP, not Attendance Allowance.
Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) vs. Attendance Allowance
PADP supports people over State Pension age with a disability or illness that makes self-care difficult. Like Attendance Allowance, it's not means-tested. The key difference for Scottish care home residents is that PADP is the relevant benefit. Existing Attendance Allowance claimants in Scotland will be automatically transferred to PADP by Social Security Scotland.
Care Home Funding and Benefit Eligibility
Your eligibility for benefits like PADP while in a care home depends on who funds your care.
If Your Care is Funded by the Local Authority
If your local authority contributes to your care home fees, your PADP will stop after 28 days in the home. This is because local authority funding covers the personal care costs that the benefit addresses.
If You Are a Self-Funder
If you pay for all your care home costs yourself, without local authority funding, you remain eligible for the full PADP. The benefit helps with disability costs, and as you cover personal care, your entitlement continues.
What About NHS-Funded Nursing Care?
If you receive NHS-funded Nursing Care (FNC) in a nursing home, your Attendance Allowance or PADP payments will continue. This NHS contribution doesn't affect the disability benefit, as it's separate from local authority-funded personal care. However, if you receive NHS Continuing Healthcare, your disability benefit stops after 28 days.
Planning for a Care Home Move in Scotland
Moving to a care home in Scotland requires understanding how it impacts your disability benefit.
- Inform authorities: Notify the relevant benefits office (DWP or Social Security Scotland) about your move to avoid overpayments.
- Care needs assessment: A local authority assessment determines your care needs and who will contribute to costs.
- Understand funding: The assessment clarifies if you'll be a self-funder or receive local authority aid, which is key to your benefit status.
- Seek advice: Specialist financial advice is recommended for navigating complex care home funding.
Comparison of Attendance Allowance (Rest of UK) and PADP (Scotland)
| Feature | Attendance Allowance (England, Wales) | Pension Age Disability Payment (Scotland) |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) | Social Security Scotland |
| Care Home Funded by Local Authority | Ceases after 28 days in care. | Ceases after 28 days in care. |
| Care Home Self-Funded | Continues throughout care home stay. | Continues throughout care home stay. |
| NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC) | Continues alongside Attendance Allowance. | Continues alongside PADP. |
| NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) | Ceases after 28 days of receiving CHC. | Ceases after 28 days of receiving CHC. |
Conclusion: The Final Answer on Attendance Allowance
In Scotland, Attendance Allowance is replaced by PADP. If your local authority fully funds your care home fees, your PADP stops after 28 days. If you self-fund, you continue to receive the benefit. This depends on who funds your personal care. For details on PADP, see official mygov.scot information.
