Attendance Allowance Offers Up to £441 Monthly for Arthritis Sufferers
State pensioners aged 65 and over who suffer from arthritis may be eligible for Attendance Allowance, a benefit that can provide up to £441 a month. The payment is designed to help with additional costs arising from a physical or mental disability severe enough to affect daily living. Arthritis is the most common condition cited in successful claims, accounting for 35% of all 1.7 million Attendance Allowance claims, according to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data.
Eligibility and Misconceptions
Many pensioners miss out on the benefit because they assume they need a carer or that their condition must be very serious. However, Attendance Allowance does not require a carer, and eligibility is based on how the condition impacts day-to-day life rather than the specific diagnosis. The payments are not means-tested, meaning savings or income do not affect entitlement. The benefit is paid at two rates: £73.90 per week (lower rate) or £110.40 per week (higher rate), equating to up to £441 per month.
Widespread Unawareness Among Pensioners
Around half a million pensioners with arthritis already claim Attendance Allowance, but experts believe many more are unaware they could qualify. Arthritis is a common condition affecting millions in the UK, and the DWP encourages those with the condition to check their eligibility. The benefit can help fund care needs, mobility aids, or other costs associated with the condition. A DWP spokesperson said: “Attendance Allowance is there to help older people with the extra costs of a disability, and we want to ensure everyone who is eligible claims it.”
How to Apply
To apply for Attendance Allowance, individuals can call the DWP or download a form from the government website. The application asks about care or supervision needs, not the specific condition. It is advisable to seek help from charities like Age UK or Citizens Advice to complete the form, as many claims are initially rejected due to incomplete information. Successful claims can be backdated to the date of application.
