More than half a million people across Great Britain are currently receiving Attendance Allowance for this condition
People living with a common condition could be eligible for cash support of up to £441 a month. Pensioners living with arthritis may not realise they qualify for Attendance Allowance.
As reported by the Daily Record, recent statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveal that over half a million people (508,964) across the UK are currently receiving Attendance Allowance support due to arthritis. This makes it the most frequently claimed health condition among those of State Pension age.
Attendance Allowance is valued at either £73.90 or £110.40 weekly. This tax-exempt benefit is not influenced by savings or income and is disbursed every four weeks.
Consequently, someone on the lower rate will receive £295.60 each pay period, while those on the higher rate will receive £441.40. It’s crucial to note that new claims for Attendance Allowance have now been superseded in Scotland by the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP).
Arthritis is the most common disabling condition – a broad term utilised by the DWP to encompass a variety of health conditions. The condition typically results in stiffness, swelling, pain and inflammation in a joint. It accounts for more than one-third (35 per cent) of all the 1.7 million claimants on Attendance Allowance.
Across the UK, an estimated 20 million people suffer from arthritis or similar joint-affecting conditions. If you’re living with arthritis, back pain, joint or muscle discomfort, or chronic pain, you could be eligible for support from the DWP through certain benefits.
READ MORE: DWP benefits for people over State Pension age if you need help with daily tasksREAD MORE: DWP update over ‘£230 payments for people on PIP and Universal Credit’
What is the purpose of Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance assists with additional costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough to make self-care difficult – it does not cater to mobility needs. You don’t need to have a carer to apply for this benefit.
You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and require assistance or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if you’re not currently receiving that help. This might encompass:
- Assistance with personal care – such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet
- Help to ensure your safety
You should also apply if you struggle with personal tasks, for instance, if they take you a long time, cause you pain, or if you need physical support, like a chair to lean on.
Attendance Allowance isn’t exclusively for those with a physical disability or illness. You should also apply if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night due to:
- A mental health condition
- Learning difficulties
- A sensory condition – if you are deaf or visually impaired
How much could you get from Attendance Allowance?
You could be eligible for £73.90 if you require assistance during the day or night, or £110.40 if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is disbursed every four weeks, meaning you could receive either £295.60 or £441.40 each payment cycle.
The funds can be utilised as per your discretion and could aid in maintaining your independence at home for a longer duration.
This might include:
- Covering taxi fares
- Contributing towards bills
- Employing a cleaner or gardener
For additional details, visit the Government website here.
