The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that close to 500,000 people across Great Britain are now receiving Attendance Allowance as a result of arthritis, which has emerged as the most frequently reported condition among those claiming this benefit after reaching State Pension age.
According to reporting by Manchester Evening News, the latest figures highlight how widespread the impact of arthritis has become in the older population.
Attendance Allowance Supports People With Severe Health Conditions
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who have a disability or illness severe enough to require care or supervision. It does not cover mobility needs and does not require claimants to have a carer.
The benefit is not means-tested, so it remains unaffected by income or savings.
Claimants may receive either:
- £73.90 per week (equivalent to £295.60 every four weeks) if they require help either during the day or night, or
- £110.40 per week (equivalent to £441.40 every four weeks) if they need help both during the day and at night, or are terminally ill.
Arthritis Leads Claims Among Pensioners
Arthritis, which causes stiffness, pain, and inflammation in joints, accounts for 35% of all Attendance Allowance claims, based on data covering 1.7 million claimants. It is currently the most frequently declared condition for individuals receiving this form of support.
The condition is one of the most widespread in the UK, with an estimated 20 million people living with arthritis or similar joint, back, and muscle conditions.
People experiencing chronic pain from these conditions may also be eligible for Attendance Allowance.
Eligibility and Application Criteria
To qualify, individuals must demonstrate that they need help or supervision with daily personal tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medication. Conditions can be physical or mental, and eligibility is not limited to those already receiving support.
People with:
- Mental health conditions
- Learning difficulties
- Sensory impairments such as vision or hearing loss
can also qualify, provided the condition affects their ability to manage daily personal care or remain safe without supervision.
How Attendance Allowance Interacts With Other Support
Receiving Attendance Allowance does not affect the State Pension and may entitle the claimant to additional benefits such as:
- Extra Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
It is also exempt from the Benefit Cap and is non-taxable.
Guidance on How to Claim
Applications for Attendance Allowance involve completing a detailed claim form. Support is available from local Citizens Advice branches for those needing assistance.
Claimants already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for care-related needs are not eligible for Attendance Allowance simultaneously. However, if those benefits end or are not renewed, Attendance Allowance may be claimed instead.
More information, including how to request an application form by post or phone, is available on the GOV.UK website.
