New figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveal that more than half a million people (503,389) across Great Britain now receive Attendance Allowance for arthritis, making it the most claimed health condition among those over State Pension age.
Payment Amounts
Successful claimants receive either £76.70 (lower rate) or £114.60 (higher rate) per week. Since payments are issued every four weeks, this amounts to £306.80 or £458.40 per pay period. Attendance Allowance is tax-free and not affected by savings or income.
Scotland: Pension Age Disability Payment
In Scotland, new claims for Attendance Allowance have been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). Both benefits follow similar eligibility criteria and provide the same payment rates.
Arthritis Prevalence
Arthritis causes stiffness, swelling, pain, and inflammation in joints and accounts for 35% of all 1.7 million Attendance Allowance claimants. Across Great Britain, an estimated 20 million people have arthritis or similar joint conditions.
Who Can Claim?
You should apply if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or night, even if you don't currently receive care. This includes help with personal care (dressing, eating, bathing) or staying safe. It also applies if tasks take a long time or cause pain.
Eligibility
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so savings and income do not affect eligibility. It does not impact your State Pension, and you can claim even if you are still working.
How to Claim
You need to complete a claim form. Help is available from Citizens Advice. For details, visit the GOV.UK website. In Scotland, apply for PADP through mygov.scot.
Other Benefits
Receiving Attendance Allowance may increase other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
Important Notes
You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you already receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for care. If you are approaching State Pension age, consider claiming PIP first as it may provide more support.
