DWP can pay older people with arthritis up to £434 a month - how to apply

Older people who have arthritis may be able to get extra financial help from the Government.

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. In the UK, millions of people have arthritis or other, similar conditions that affect the joints, the NHS says.

Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now nearly 461,000 people across Britain receiving Attendance Allowance for arthritis, making it the most-claimed health condition by people over State Pension age. Claimants can get either £72.65 or £108.55 each week.

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The non means-tested benefit is paid every four weeks which means someone on the lower rate will receive £290.60 every pay period while those on the higher rate will receive £434.20, reports the Daily Record. Arthritis is the most common disabling condition - an umbrella term used by the DWP to cover a multitude of health conditions. It accounts for more than one-third (35%) of all the 1.7 million claims for Attendance Allowance.

This benefit helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself - it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to claim.

The payment won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money. However, you won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or DLA to pay for your care.

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People claiming Attendance Allowance for arthritis

There are now 1.7 million older people claiming Attendance Allowance across Britain. The number of people claiming Attendance Allowance for arthritis in February 2024:

• Scotland: 42,115

• England: 380,607

• Wales: 36,603

• Living abroad: 1,658

• Great Britain total: 460,993

Many more people may be entitled to Attendance Allowance but simply do not know enough about it to make a claim. Full details about claiming the benefit and how to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here.