Thousands of state pension age Brits are missing out on £5,740/year in Attendance Allowance – a tax-free benefit designed to help with care costs for those with arthritis, back pain or other chronic conditions.
Key Facts:
✔ £73.90-£110.40/week (up to £5,740.80/year)
✔ Not means-tested – no savings or pension limits
✔ 524,072 claims for arthritis – 80,354 for back pain (DWP data)
✔ No carer required – you qualify if you need personal care help
Who Can Claim?
You may qualify if you’re:
✅ State pension age+ (66+)
✅ Need daily care/supervision due to disability/illness
✅ Have needed help for 6+ months (except terminal illness)
✅ Lived in UK 2 of last 3 years
Common Qualifying Conditions:
• Arthritis (524,072 current claimants)
• Back pain (80,354 claimants)
• Spondylosis (20,868 claimants)
• Mobility issues after strokes
• Severe diabetes complications
“Your income/savings don’t affect eligibility,” confirms Turn2Us benefits expert David Samson.
How to Apply (3 Simple Steps)
1️⃣ Gather Documents:
-
NI number
-
GP/medical centre details
-
Care home/hospital info (if applicable)
2️⃣ Apply Online/Post:
• Online form (fastest method)
• Post: Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance (no stamp needed)
3️⃣ Wait 3 Weeks:
-
Text/letter confirms decision timeline
-
Backdated to application date
Pro Tip: Charities like Age UK and Turn2Us offer free application help.
What Attendance Allowance Doesn’t Cover
✖ Mobility needs (consider PIP instead)
✖ If you already get DLA/PIP/ADP
