Social Security Experience Panels: disability benefit names - visual summary

Attendance Allowance

The most common thing respondents said they liked about the name Attendance Allowance was that it is simple, short and concise.

They also liked that it is familiar and easy to recognise.

Some respondents noted that it is neutral and does not include potentially offensive terms such as ‘disability’.

Many respondents said that the name is ‘fine’ or ‘ok’ but did not explain why they thought this.

• “Easy to remember/recognise.”
• “It's discrete, and serves its purpose.”
• “It is a long standing name that people are familiar with and understand.”
• “Short, simple, accurate.”
• “No use of either words disability or benefit.”

The most common thing respondents said they disliked about the name Attendance Allowance was that it is not clear what the benefit is for and who is entitled to it. Respondents described it as being ‘vague’, ‘ambiguous’ and ‘confusing’.

Many respondents said the word ‘attendance’ is particularly confusing. Some respondents said that the word suggests that the recipient has to ‘attend somewhere’.

Others said ‘attendance’ suggests that the recipient has be ‘attended’ to by another person at all times. Some felt that the payment could be for a carer.

Some respondents noted that many people may not think they are eligible because of this. They may then find it difficult to find out about Attendance Allowance.

A small number of respondents said that the name is outdated, especially the word ‘allowance’. Respondents also disliked the previous associations with DWP.

• “It sounds vague. Anyone searching for this type of benefit might overlook it or misinterpret its meaning.”
• “Sounds like you need to attend something or go somewhere.”
• “The name has very negative overtones, it suggests that the looked after person needs the constant presence of another.”
• “It sounds like it is a carer's allowance not a payment for the disabled person.”
• “It doesn't actually describe what it's for and who can claim it.”