Nearly half a million pensioners in the UK who suffer from arthritis are set to receive a financial boost of up to £441 a month beginning in April, thanks to an increase in Attendance Allowance a non-means-tested benefit designed to support older people with care needs.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), around 461,000 people currently claim Attendance Allowance due to arthritis, one of the most common long-term health conditions affecting the elderly population. With benefit upratings effective from April 7, 2025, this group stands to receive up to £108.55 per week, amounting to £434.20 every four weeks, and potentially rising to £441 per month in line with inflation-linked increases.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit for individuals over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision due to illness or disability. It is designed to help cover the extra costs associated with long-term health conditions such as arthritis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and others.
You do not need to have someone caring for you to claim it, but your condition must have persisted for at least six months (unless terminal). The amount you receive depends on the level of help you require:
- Lower rate: £72.65 per week — for those needing help during either the day or night.
- Higher rate: £108.55 per week — for those needing help both day and night, or who are terminally ill.
Payments are usually made every four weeks, amounting to £290.60 or £434.20 monthly. With the expected 1.7% rise in benefits starting this April, the higher rate is anticipated to reach £441 per month, offering crucial support to some of the UK’s most vulnerable pensioners.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for Attendance Allowance, claimants must:
- Be State Pension age (currently 66).
- Have a disability or health condition that requires frequent help with personal care or supervision to avoid danger.
- Have needed help for at least 6 months (unless terminally ill).
- Be in Great Britain when claiming (with some exceptions for armed forces or living abroad).
- Not be in a hospital or care home funded by the local authority.
Common qualifying conditions include arthritis, mobility issues, heart disease, sight or hearing loss, and cognitive impairments.
How Arthritis Impacts Older Adults
Arthritis is one of the most widespread causes of disability in the UK, affecting over 10 million people, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most prevalent types. It can significantly impact mobility, independence, and quality of life.
The DWP figures confirm that arthritis is the most common condition among Attendance Allowance claimants. Many pensioners report challenges with walking, dressing, bathing, and managing everyday tasks, which is where the benefit steps in to help ease the burden of care and mobility costs.
How to Apply
Applying for Attendance Allowance can be done by post using the official form or by phone, where the DWP sends the application pack.
- Phone: 0800 731 0122
- Textphone: 0800 731 0317
- Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 731 0122
You can request the form from the UK Government’s Attendance Allowance page and find detailed guidance on how to fill it in. It’s recommended to include as much detail as possible, including how your condition affects your daily routine, to improve the chances of a successful claim.
Download or request the form directly here:
Apply for Attendance Allowance
Why Pensioners Should Check Eligibility
Many pensioners are still missing out on this vital financial support. A 2023 report revealed that over £1.5 billion in Attendance Allowance goes unclaimed each year, often because eligible individuals assume they won’t qualify.
Even if you don’t currently receive personal care or don’t have a formal diagnosis, you might still be eligible if you struggle with everyday tasks due to a physical or mental condition.
Organizations like Age UK and Citizens Advice offer free support in completing the form:
What the April Increase Means for Claimants
The 1.7% benefit increase is part of the government’s annual inflation-linked uprating of social security benefits. With energy bills and cost-of-living pressures still affecting older households, the extra £6-£7 per month can make a meaningful difference.
In addition to Attendance Allowance, the April increase also affects:
- State Pension
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Universal Credit
A full list of updated benefit rates is available from the DWP’s official page
Final Thoughts
As the population continues to age and more people are diagnosed with long-term health conditions like arthritis, Attendance Allowance remains a lifeline for those who need extra help but may not have access to other forms of financial support.
If you or someone you know may be struggling due to age-related health conditions, checking eligibility and applying for Attendance Allowance could unlock up to £441 per month a significant amount to help maintain independence and dignity in later life.
Pankaj Kumar is a journalist at Chandigarh X, covering admit cards, recruitment, and government schemes. His articles provide readers with detailed insights into application processes, eligibility, and exam updates.
Outside of work, Pankaj enjoys traveling, fitness, and cricket, often participating in local matches on weekends.