Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to ensure those eligible for attendance allowance are receiving it.

The department does not hold information on the number of people eligible for Attendance Allowance and not claiming, as it is not possible to accurately estimate what care needs will arise from an illness or disability in each individual.

Information on the availability of Attendance Allowance is already widely available, including online on GOV.UK; from places such as Libraries and Doctors Surgeries; directly from Health Care Professionals who might be supporting those with care needs; and from a range of groups and charities who provide advice and support to elderly people with care needs. DWP continually seeks to improve the information it makes available so as to encourage people to claim Attendance Allowance where they may be entitled.