The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has formally responded to a recent petition advocating for the extension of the Attendance Allowance to include a mobility element. This follows arguments by campaigners that it is inequitable for individuals receiving the state pension age benefit to be excluded from the Motability Vehicle scheme, while those on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are eligible for it.
In its response, the DWP has stated that there are currently no immediate plans to modify the state pension age benefit, and that recipients can utilize the payments to meet the costs of mobility aids if necessary. The department has justified its position by emphasizing that the government’s focus on mobility support is aimed at individuals who become disabled at an earlier stage in life. Additionally, they have reasoned that developing mobility needs in older age is a regular outcome of aging, which non-disabled younger individuals have had the opportunity to plan and save for.
Furthermore, the DWP has clarified that individuals receiving the high rate mobility component for DLA or the enhanced rate mobility component for PIP may be eligible for the Motability scheme. However, they have emphasized that Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment are not accessible to individuals who make a claim once they are over state pension age, but can be paid beyond this age if the conditions of entitlement are satisfied.
The response has also addressed concerns about age discrimination, stating that the policy was designed to prioritize those who become disabled earlier in life, as they are likely to have had fewer opportunities to work, earn, and save in comparison to those who develop needs after reaching state pension age. This perspective has been upheld by the courts as not constituting unlawful age discrimination.
The petition has garnered over 13,000 signatures, surpassing the required threshold to receive a Government response, and is scheduled to be debated in Parliament if it reaches 100,000 signatures.
For further details on the petition and the DWP’s response, the full information can be found on the official government website. Stay updated on the latest developments in personal finance by following us on Twitter at @ExpressMoney_.