Pensioners with arthritis could receive up to £441 a month in extra financial help from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through Attendance Allowance. The benefit is designed to assist with extra costs for those with a disability or health condition severe enough to require care.
Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates: £73.90 or £110.40 per week, which equates to £295.60 or £441.40 every four weeks. The amount depends on the level of care needed. Arthritis is the most common condition among claimants, with over half a million people (508,964) receiving the benefit for this condition, representing 35% of all 1.7 million claimants.
To qualify, you must have reached State Pension age and have a physical or mental disability, or a health condition that requires help with personal care. The benefit is not means-tested, so savings and income do not affect eligibility. You do not need to have someone caring for you to claim.
Attendance Allowance does not cover mobility needs, but receiving it may entitle you to extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction. You cannot usually claim if you live in a care home funded by your local authority, but you can if you pay for your own care.
