People of State Pension age could be paid up to £108 a week for common pain

There are almost 1.6 million older people receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance. This is according to figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The payment is worth either £72.65 or £108.55 each week and is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses. There is no mobility component attached to the non-means tested benefit.

Arthritis remains the most common condition being claimed by almost 450,000 pensioners across Great Britain. There are also 68,825 people over the age of 66 claiming support for back pain, reports the Daily Record.

Read more: DWP state pensioners with common conditions can claim up to £101 extra per week

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Back pain is very common and usually improves within a few weeks. However, for some people, it can last longer or keep coming back.

About 2.5 million people across the UK experience back pain every day, with many unaware they could be entitled to financial support from the DWP.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that it is 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 make a claim.

Who can claim?

If you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night, you should apply for Attendance Allowance. This might include:

• Help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet

• Help to stay safe

You should apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness.

You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:

• A mental health condition

• Learning difficulties

• A sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired

How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?

You could receive £72.65 if you need help during the day or at night or £108.55 if you need help during the day and at night or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, which means you could receive either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period.

You can spend the money how you want - it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer. This might include:

• Paying for taxis

• Helping towards bills

• Paying for a cleaner or gardener

Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?

Yes. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested so it does not matter what other income you have or how much you have in savings as there is no limit. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so money will not be taken away from any other benefits.

Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?

No - and you can even claim it if you are still working and earning money.

How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?

The other benefits you receive might increase if you get Attendance Allowance. These include:

• Extra Pension Credit

• Housing Benefit Reduction

• Council Tax Reduction

How do I make a claim?

You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. You can get help from your nearest Citizens Advice when applying.

You can also follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?

If you are thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) straight away - you may be able to get more money.

Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?

You will not be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for the benefit while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead.

You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead. Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.