DWP urged to include mobility component for older people on Attendance Allowance

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Labour MP Mark Sewards has asked the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if it has made an assessment of the “potential merits of recommending the inclusion of Attendance Allowance recipients to the Motability scheme”.

The non-means-tested benefit provides people over Sate Pension age with additional financial support to help with daily living costs due to a disability, long-term illness, or mental or physical health condition.

In a written response on Tuesday, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms explained how “Government mobility support is focused on people who are disabled earlier in life” adding that “developing mobility needs in older life is a normal consequence of ageing”.

The DWP Minister said there are “no plans to review the Scheme’s qualifying benefits.Sir Stephen responded: “Attendance Allowance is intended to help those with a severe disability who have long term care or supervision needs which arise after reaching State Pension age.