State pension age Brits with arthritis may be missing out on up to £441.60 a month through a Government perk. The DWP benefit is designed to help pensioners with serious health conditions or disabilities live independently for longer and cover extra costs, if the condition is so severe that it requires assistance with daily tasks.
The benefit is called Attendance Allowance, and official data shows arthritis is the most common condition among claimants, meaning those who suffer from the chronic condition could be eligible for extra cash. DWP figures revealed that 483,376 people with arthritis were receiving the benefit across the UK in August 2024, according to a report by the Manchester Evening News.
With the NHS estimating that more than 10 million people in the UK live with arthritis or similar joint conditions, many older people could be missing out on financial support.
One person commented on the Daily Express website: “I get Attendance Allowance as I have Arthiritis in L4 and L5 and I also have Spinal Stenosis. Paralysis in my spine. I am grateful to get it.
“I am 77 now. I can only walk with a trolley to hold onto. I cannot stand up for more than 5 mins without anything to hold onto. The joys of getting older.”
Who is eligible?
To apply for Attendance Allowance, claimants must provide proof of their condition, including in-depth details, and the name of their GP surgery or medical centre.
They will also need to demonstrate that the condition has required assistance with daily tasks for at least 6 months.
How much can you receive?
Depending on the level of care required, eligible pensioners may receive either £73.90 or £110.40 per week. The lower rate is paid to people who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.
The higher rate is given to those who need help during both the day and night, or who have been diagnosed as nearing the end of life.
How to apply
You can apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post, and you will need to provide your National Insurance number, address and contact details, and details of the disability or health condition that you need extra help for.
You will need to add details of your GP surgery or medical centre, and details of your care home, hospital or hospice if you’re currently staying in one. Attendance Allowance does not affect State Pension payments.
Arthritis is not the only condition that may qualify for Attendance Allowance. DWP claimant data from August 2024 listed 48 different health conditions and disabilities linked to the benefit.