Older people living with arthritis are being urged to check their eligibility for government financial support that could provide up to £441 per month through Attendance Allowance.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit is available to those of State Pension age who have a disability or health condition severe enough to require assistance with personal care.
New figures reveal that nearly half a million people across Britain are now receiving Attendance Allowance specifically for arthritis, making it the most-claimed health condition amongst pensioners receiving the benefit.
The tax-free payment is worth £73.90 or £110.40 per week, depending on the level of care required, and is paid every four weeks directly into recipients’ bank accounts.
This means those on the lower rate receive £295.60 every payment period, whilst those requiring more extensive support receive £441.40 – equivalent to £5,296.80 annually.
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, meaning savings and income levels do not affect eligibility, and the payment does not impact State Pension or other benefits.
DWP statistics show that arthritis accounts for more than one-third (35 per cent) of all 1.7 million Attendance Allowance claims, highlighting the widespread impact of the condition on older people.
The umbrella term “arthritis” covers multiple conditions affecting joints, typically causing stiffness, swelling, pain and inflammation that can severely impact daily activities.
Across Britain, an estimated 20 million people live with arthritis or similar conditions affecting joints, back and muscles, making it the most common disabling condition in the country.
Eligibility for Attendance Allowance requires applicants to be State Pension age or older and to have needed help with personal care for at least six months, unless terminally ill.
Crucially, claimants do not need to have someone actually caring for them – the benefit is based on the level of help required, not whether that help is currently being received.
The lower rate of £73.90 weekly applies to those needing help either during the day or at night, such as assistance with washing, dressing, eating or taking medication.
The higher rate of £110.40 weekly is for those requiring help both day and night, or those with terminal illnesses who may qualify under special rules for faster processing.
Examples of qualifying needs include difficulty getting in and out of bed, managing personal hygiene, preparing meals safely, or requiring supervision to prevent falls or other accidents.
Mental health conditions, sensory impairments and learning difficulties can also qualify if they affect the ability to manage daily personal care or remain safe without supervision.
Receiving Attendance Allowance can open doors to additional support, including potential increases in means-tested benefits, Council Tax reductions, and Housing Benefit entitlements.
The benefit may also support applications for Blue Badge parking permits, which allow holders to park closer to destinations and free at meters and pay-and-display areas.
Applications involve completing a detailed claim form available from the DWP, with the claim starting from the date the department receives the completed form.
Those who call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request a form will have their claim backdated to the call date if returned within six weeks.
Citizens Advice and other local support organisations can assist with completing the forms, which require detailed information about how the condition affects daily life.
It’s important to note that those already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) cannot claim Attendance Allowance simultaneously.
However, if PIP or DLA awards end or are not renewed, individuals can then apply for Attendance Allowance as an alternative source of support.
Changes in circumstances must be reported to the DWP promptly, as they could affect entitlement – this includes hospital stays exceeding 28 days or moving into care homes.
Conversely, if care needs increase, claimants on the lower rate can request reassessment for the higher rate, though advisors recommend seeking guidance first.
The benefit is exempt from the Benefit Cap and remains unaffected by the recent changes to Winter Fuel Payments, providing crucial financial stability for pensioners.
With the State Pension age set to rise further in coming years, experts warn that accessing disability support will become increasingly important for older workers with health conditions.
The substantial number of arthritis-related claims highlights how chronic pain conditions can significantly impact quality of life and independence in later years.
Many eligible pensioners may be missing out on this support simply because they’re unaware it exists or assume their savings disqualify them from claiming.
The DWP emphasises that Attendance Allowance is designed to help maintain dignity, independence and wellbeing, not just for those with formal care arrangements.
The money can be spent on anything that helps manage the condition or maintain independence, from hiring cleaners to paying for taxis or purchasing mobility aids.
For those struggling with arthritis, back pain, joint problems or chronic pain conditions, checking eligibility for Attendance Allowance could provide vital financial relief.
With payments of up to £441 monthly, this support can make a real difference in covering the additional costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition.
Those who believe they may qualify should not delay in applying, as claims cannot be backdated beyond the initial claim date unless special circumstances apply.
Further information and claim forms are available at gov.uk/attendance-allowance or by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122.
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