Thousands of people over state pension age who are struggling with arthritis could be entitled to an extra £434 every month. There are now nearly 470,000 pensioners across claiming Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) due to arthritis, which is a common condition that means you suffer from joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Attendance Allowance is awarded to people over state pension age who need extra help or supervision because of a disability of illness. Crucially, your eligibility is not down to your condition - what matters is how it impacts your daily life.
It is worth £72.65 a week if you need help or supervision during the day, or supervision at night, or £108.55 a week if you need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or if you’re nearing the end of your life. The benefit is paid every four weeks, which means you could receive either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period. You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim - for example, you could choose to spend the money on things that keep you independent, such as paying for taxis or a cleaner. According to Carers UK, you may be entitled to Attendance Allowance if you need help with:.
For example, you could be entitled to Attendance Allowance if you have arthritis and the pain means you need help getting in and out of bed, washing and dressing, or getting in and out of chairs. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested and it does not matter how much you have in savings. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the benefit cap, so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits. In fact, any other benefits you already get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance. You won't be able to Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care.
