Nearly 79,000 people over 66 across Great Britain are claiming Attendance Allowance for back pain, and successful claimants can receive either £76.70 (lower rate) or £114.60 (higher rate) per week. As payments are issued every four weeks, this amounts to either £306.80 or £458.40 per payment period.
Arthritis remains the most common condition claimed by more than 503,800 pensioners on Attendance Allowance across Great Britain. Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is very common and while it usually improves within a few weeks, it can sometimes last longer or keep coming back, especially as we get older.
Who is eligible for support
Some 2.5 million people across the UK experience back pain every day of the year, and many may not be aware they could be entitled to financial support to help with any extra costs the condition causes. Latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are nearly 1.7 million older people receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance. Some 185,895 people in Scotland are also being supported through Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), the devolved benefit that has now replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance.
Attendance Allowance and PADP are tax-free benefits, and savings or income do not impact eligibility. Across Great Britain, an estimated 20 million people have arthritis or other similar conditions which affect the joints, so if you are living with arthritis, back, joint, muscle or chronic pain, you could be eligible for support.
What Attendance Allowance covers
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. You should apply if you 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 personal care, such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet, as well as 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, or a sensory condition such as being deaf or visually impaired.
Payment rates and how to claim
You could receive £76.70 if you need help during the day or at night, or £114.60 if you need help during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. 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, or paying for a cleaner or gardener.
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 - 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. It won't affect your State Pension, and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money. Other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, including Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction, and Council Tax Reduction.
You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. Help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice. If you are thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming PIP straight away, as you may be able to get more money. You won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care.
For Pension Age Disability Payment, you can apply if you have reached State Pension age and have had care needs during the day or night for 6 months or more because of a disability or health condition. You can still apply if you have not had care needs for 6 months or more, are waiting for or do not have a diagnosis, or have a terminal illness. You cannot get Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time. Social Security Scotland will provide Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance.
