People of State Pension age with arthritis could be due up to £434 each month

Linda Howard
·6-min read

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now nearly 461,000 people across Great Britain receiving Attendance Allowance support for arthritis, making it the most-claimed health condition by people over State Pension age. More than 42,000 older people in Scotland are receiving either £72.65 or £108.55 each week, along with more than 1,500 living abroad.

This tax-free benefit is not affected by savings or income and is paid every four weeks which means someone on the lower rate will receive £290.60 every pay period while those on the higher rate will receive £434.20. Arthritis is the most common disabling condition - an umbrella term used by the DWP to cover a multitude of health conditions. The condition typically causes stiffness, swelling, pain and inflammation in a joint and accounts for more than one-third (35%) of all of the 1.6 million claims for Attendance Allowance.

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Across Great Britain, an estimated 20m people have arthritis or other, similar conditions that affect the joints, so if you are living with arthritis, back, joint, muscle or chronic pain, you could be eligible for support from the DWP through the benefit.

People claiming Attendance Allowance for arthritis

There are now over 1.6m older people claiming Attendance Allowance across Great Britain including more than 143,700 living in Scotland.

The number of people claiming Attendance Allowance for arthritis in February 2024:

  • Scotland: 42,115

  • England: 380,607

  • Wales: 36,603

  • Living abroad: 1,658

  • Great Britain total: 460,993

Many more people may be entitled to Attendance Allowance but simply do not know enough about it to make a claim. The benefit is gradually being replaced in Scotland by a similar payment designed to help those over State Pension age with a disability or long-term health issue - Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP).

At the moment, this is only available to claim in Argyll and Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney and Shetland. PADP will roll out in 13 more council areas across Scotland from March before launching nationwide in April, 2025 - full details here.

Below is an overview of what you should know about Attendance Allowance, including how to start your application. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

It is also worth considering making a claim for Attendance Allowance - or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) if you or a family member are below State Pension age. You can find out more about claiming PIP or ADP here.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself - it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.

Who can claim?

You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you don’t currently get that help.

This might include:

  • Help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet

  • Help to stay safe

You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn’t just for people with a physical disability or illness.

You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:

  • a mental health condition

  • learning difficulties

  • a sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired

How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?

You could receive £72.65 if you need help during the day or at night or £108.55 if you need help during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks , which means you could receive either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period.

You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.

This might include:

  • paying for taxis

  • helping towards bills

  • paying for a cleaner or gardener

Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?

Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either - there's no limit. 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.

Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?

No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money.

How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?

The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:

  • Extra Pension Credit

  • Housing Benefit Reduction

  • Council Tax Reduction

How do I make a claim?

You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice, so don't let the form put you off applying.

If you'd prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

Full details on how to make a claim for PADP through Social Security Scotland can be found here.

What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?

If you are thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) straight away - you may be able to get more money.

Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?

You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you live in Argyll and Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney and Shetland - apply for PADP instead.

You won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead.

You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.

Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.

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