Government support may be on offer to those with pain in their joints – and could be worth at least £295 a month. Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed nearly 500,000 people across the country receive Attendance Allowance support for arthritis.
This type of support is designed to help with additional costs if you have a mental or physical disability or illness that impacts on your ability to care for yourself and is not regulated by savings or income. Claimants do not need to have a carer to claim the support, though it does not cover any mobility needs. Arthritis is officially the most claimed-for health condition by pensioners applying for this support. As a term, it is used by the DWP to encompass a number of health conditions and typically results in stiffness, swelling, pain and inflammation in the joints. It accounts for over a third of all Attendance Allowance claims, making up 35% of the 1.6 million in total.
Nationally, around 20 million people have arthritis or similar joint-affecting conditions.
According to the Daily Record, an individual on the lower rate of Attendance Allowance support would receive £295.60 each pay period, while those on the higher rate receive £441.50.
Applicants must have a disability of illness that means they require help or supervision in the day or at times during the night, though they do not need to be receiving that help when they apply.
It might include help to ensure safety or assistance with getting dressed, eating or drinking, moving in and out of bed or using the toilet.
However, those with a mental health condition, learning difficulties or a sensory condition including deafness or visual impairment could also make individuals eligible.
The non-means tested benefit could allow individuals to access £73.90 instalments if they require help during the day or at night.
A higher £110.40 instalment is available if you need assistance during both the day and night, or if you are terminally ill.
The benefit is usually paid every four weeks, meaning each payment period could amount to £295.60 or £441.60.
Funds can be spent as the recipient sees fit and could be put towards home independence, including paying bills, employing a cleaner or gardener or paying for taxis.
Receiving the benefit will not impact individuals’ state pension.
The application process can be lengthy, and support is available from the Citizens Advice guide here. Further information on obtaining the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the gov.uk website.
Arthritis was also the top condition among those claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) last year, with 463,300 people filing for the benefit with the disease in the year to October 2024.
PIP is a government benefit designed to help with living costs for those with long term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities. Individuals are eligible for PIP even if they are in work, have savings or receive other benefits.
Payments are split into a daily living element to help with everyday tasks and a mobility allowance for those needing help to get around.