If you live with arthritis, you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance payments, which could provide you with up to £441 each month.
This benefit, offered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is designed to help individuals who need extra support due to illness or disability, especially those over the state pension age.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit for individuals who require additional assistance due to their medical condition.
Unlike other benefits, there is no specific list of conditions that qualify you; rather, the focus is on how your arthritis or other illness affects your ability to carry out daily tasks.
How Much Could You Receive?
The amount of Attendance Allowance depends on the level of support you need:
- £73.90 per week: If you require supervision or help during the day or at night.
- £110.40 per week: If you need help throughout both day and night or if you are nearing the end of your life.
Attendance Allowance is paid every four weeks, meaning you could receive £295.60 or £441.60 each month. One key point is that you do not need someone actively caring for you to be eligible for the benefit. The money can be used to help maintain your independence, for instance, paying for a cleaner or taxi services.
Eligibility Criteria
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, meaning savings and income do not affect eligibility. The benefit is also tax-free and is exempt from the benefit cap, ensuring that your other benefits won’t be reduced.
However, there are certain restrictions:
- You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you are already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
- Nearly half a million people claim Attendance Allowance due to arthritis, highlighting the widespread impact of this condition.
How to Claim Attendance Allowance
To claim Attendance Allowance, you can either:
- Download and mail the form to:
Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance - Request a form via the helpline:
- Telephone: 0800 731 0122
- Textphone: 0800 731 0317
- Relay UK: Dial 18001, then 0800 731 0122
- British Sign Language: Video relay service
When completing the form, you’ll need to describe how your illness or disability impacts your daily routine. You should also provide additional supporting documentation, such as a letter from your GP, care plans, or prescriptions.
If you’re terminally ill, you can claim immediately, and you will be awarded the higher rate of Attendance Allowance.
Attendance Allowance can significantly improve the quality of life for people with arthritis, providing financial support for those who need help with daily living.
It’s a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit that can assist in maintaining your independence, whether you use it for practical needs like a cleaner or a taxi.
Applying for the benefit involves filling out a form and submitting supporting documentation about how your condition affects your life.
FAQs
Can I claim Attendance Allowance if I am already receiving PIP or DLA?
No, you cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you are already receiving PIP or DLA. You can only claim one of these benefits.
How often is Attendance Allowance paid?
Attendance Allowance is paid every four weeks, meaning you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 each month.
Do I need someone to care for me to claim Attendance Allowance?
No, you do not need someone to care for you to be eligible for Attendance Allowance. The benefit is designed to help cover the costs of staying independent, such as paying for a cleaner or taxi services.