Fears remain on future of Attendance Allowance

By Ian Macrae

The Government has once again indicated that Attendance Allowance may be rolled up into a national social care service, contributing to fears that the allowance may disappear.

In its published response to a petition which asked for assurance on the future of Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance on the Number 10 website, the Government states: “We have ruled out bringing Disability Living Allowance for those under the age of 65 into the national care service.”

But the response also says: “We are looking to see if bringing together a new care and support system and some disability benefits into a single system may be a better way forward.”

Attendance Allowance is currently paid to disabled people over the age of 65 who need help and support with personal care. Disabled people over 65, or those who become disabled after that age are not entitled to claim Disability Living Allowance.

This response is likely to disappoint disabled campaigners who have lobbied for the retention of Attendance Allowance, among other things, through the petition on the Number 10 site.

The Government’s final decision will not be made clear until the publication of an anticipated white paper on social care which is expected ahead of the forthcoming general election.