Attendance Allowance may be available for 461,000 people with this common condition
If you’re suffering from a common health issue, you could be eligible for up to £440 a month from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It’s estimated that nearly 461,000 people in the UK receive Attendance Allowance due to living with arthritis. This condition is the most common disabling ailment, typically causing stiffness, swelling, pain and inflammation.
Across the UK, an estimated 20 million people suffer from arthritis or other similar conditions that affect the joints. Therefore, if you are living with arthritis, back, joint, muscle or chronic pain, you could be eligible for support from the DWP through this benefit.
Claiming Attendance Allowance for arthritis
Many people may be eligible for Attendance Allowance but might not be aware of its existence or how to apply.
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that it makes self-care challenging. It does not cover mobility needs and you don’t need to have a carer to be eligible to claim.
Full list of eligibility
If you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if you’re not currently receiving that help – you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance.
This could include:
- A physical disability (including sensory disability, for example blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or a health condition
- A disability or health condition that is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety
- Have needed that help for at least 6 months
How much Attendance Allowance can provide
Depending on the level of care required due to your condition, you could receive either £73.90 or £110.40 each week. This is paid every four weeks and equates to £290.60 and £434.20 respectively.
The funds can be utilised as you deem appropriate, potentially assisting in preserving your independence at home for a longer duration. This could encompass costs such as taxi fares, contributions to bills, or employing a cleaner or gardener.
How to make a claim
To make a claim, you’ll need to fill out an extensive claim form. While this might seem daunting initially, help is available from your local Citizens Advice.
Don’t let the form discourage you from applying. If you prefer to manage it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to complete your claim form.
Before starting your claim, you will also need the following details on hand:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your address and contact details
- Details of the disability or health condition that you need extra help for
- Details of your GP surgery or medical centre
- Details of your care home, hospital or hospice if you’re currently staying in one
