Thousands of older people across the UK who are living with arthritis, back pain, or joint issues could be entitled to financial help worth up to £441 a month through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The support is available through Attendance Allowance, a benefit designed to assist individuals over State Pension age who need help due to a health condition or disability.
This article outlines who qualifies, how much they could receive, and how to apply for this underclaimed benefit.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit paid to people of State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental health condition.
Importantly, you do not need to have a formal diagnosis to qualify. Instead, the focus is on the care and support you require to manage your daily life safely — whether that’s help with dressing, washing, preparing meals, or avoiding risks such as falls.
The benefit is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and is intended to help cover the additional costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition.
How Much Can You Get?
There are two different payment rates, and the amount you receive depends on the level of care or supervision you need:
- Lower Rate: £72.65 per week (about £290.60 per month)
- For those who need help either during the day or at night.
- Higher Rate: £108.55 per week (about £434.20 per month)
- For those who need help both during the day and at night, or who are terminally ill.
Payments are made every four weeks, directly into your bank or building society account. While £434.20 is the standard monthly figure, some recipients may receive slightly more across certain months, depending on how the calendar dates fall — hence the figure of £441 being cited in some reports.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for Attendance Allowance if all the following apply:
- You are over State Pension age (currently 66 years old in the UK).
- You have a physical or mental disability, including conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Chronic back pain
- Joint pain (e.g., due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Mobility problems
- Your condition means you need help with personal care, such as washing, dressing, using the toilet, or need supervision to stay safe.
- You have needed help for at least six months, unless you’re terminally ill.
Unlike other benefits, you don’t need to have someone actually caring for you to qualify — the assessment is based on your needs.
How to Apply
Applying for Attendance Allowance is straightforward, and you can apply either online or by post.
Step 1: Get a Claim Form
You can:
- Download a claim form at gov.uk/attendance-allowance
- Or call the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122 to request a paper form.
Step 2: Complete the Form
The form asks for information about how your condition affects your day-to-day life. It’s important to give detailed examples of the help you need and the difficulties you face.
Top tip: You may wish to get help from a charity like Citizens Advice or Versus Arthritis to fill in the form accurately — many claims are initially rejected due to lack of detail.
Step 3: Submit the Form
Once completed, post the form to the address on the form itself. You’ll receive a decision by post after your application is reviewed. If successful, your payments will usually be backdated to the date you submitted your claim.
Other Benefits Linked to Attendance Allowance
Receiving Attendance Allowance can open the door to additional financial support, such as:
- Pension Credit top-ups
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Potential entitlement to the Warm Home Discount and free TV Licence (if over 75)
It can also help a carer claim Carer’s Allowance, worth £81.90 per week if they care for you at least 35 hours a week.
Underclaimed Support
According to Age UK, millions of pounds in Attendance Allowance go unclaimed every year, often because people don’t think they qualify or don’t want to be seen as needing help.
But the DWP stresses that the benefit is there to support dignity, independence, and wellbeing. If you’re struggling with mobility, daily tasks, or the financial burden of managing a long-term condition like arthritis or joint pain, it is worth applying.
Final Thoughts
Attendance Allowance can make a real difference for people managing chronic pain conditions like arthritis or back problems. With payments of up to £441 per month, this financial support can help cover vital daily care needs or improve quality of life.
If you think you or a loved one might qualify, don’t delay — visit the official GOV.UK Attendance Allowance page today to learn more or begin your application.