If you are over State Pension age and living with arthritis, chronic pain or another long-term condition, you may be missing out on money you are entitled to. Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people who need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe. Many people who could claim never do, often because they think they will not qualify.
Who can get it?
You may be able to get Attendance Allowance if you:
- have reached State Pension age
- have a physical or mental disability or health condition
- need help caring for yourself, or someone to supervise you for your own or someone else's safety
- have needed that help for at least 6 months (unless you are nearing the end of life)
- live in Great Britain, and have done for at least 2 of the last 3 years (GOV.UK, n.d.a).
Key insight: it is about your needs, not your diagnosis
You do not have to be bedbound, and you do not need to have a carer already. What matters is the help you need with things like washing, dressing, eating or staying safe, even if you currently manage alone or struggle through.
Arthritis is one of the most common reasons people claim. According to DWP figures reported in the press, more than 500,000 pensioners in Great Britain get Attendance Allowance mainly because of arthritis, and nearly 79,000 because of back pain (Examiner Live, 2026).
How much could you get?
| Rate | Weekly amount | Who gets it |
|---|---|---|
| Lower rate | £76.70 | You need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night. |
| Higher rate | £114.60 | You need help or supervision during the day and night, or you are nearing the end of life. |
Source: GOV.UK (n.d.b). Rates checked September 2026.
- It is not means-tested. Your income, savings, pension or owning your home do not affect it.
- It is tax-free and paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.
- You can spend it however you like, for example on a cleaner, gardener or taxis to appointments.
- It can unlock more money. You could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction (GOV.UK, n.d.b).
How to claim
- Get free help first. Age UK and Citizens Advice can help you fill in the form.
- Apply online through GOV.UK, or by post using form AA1. You can ask for a form by calling 0800 731 0122 (Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 731 0122), Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (GOV.UK, n.d.c).
- Act quickly. Your claim usually starts from the date you apply online or DWP receives your form. If you request a form by phone, it can start from the date of your call, as long as you return it within 6 weeks (GOV.UK, n.d.c).
Tips for filling in the form
- Describe your bad days, and everything you struggle with, even if you have found ways to cope.
- Say if tasks take you much longer, or are hard to do safely.
- Mention any falls, accidents or near misses.
- Include supporting evidence, such as doctor's letters, your care plan or prescription list (Age UK, n.d.).
Nearing the end of life?
If a doctor or other healthcare professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live, you can claim under special rules. Ask them for form SR1. You will get the higher rate, you will not need an assessment, and you should hear within 3 weeks (GOV.UK, n.d.d).
Living in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
- Scotland: Attendance Allowance has been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment, run by Social Security Scotland, at the same rates (mygov.scot, n.d.).
- Northern Ireland: see nidirect for how to claim.
For more on money and arthritis, see Arthritis UK's guide to financial support for people with arthritis.
References
Age UK (n.d.) Key things to include in your Attendance Allowance application. Available at: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/attendance-allowance/what-to-include-in-your-attendance-allowance-application/
Arthritis UK (n.d.) Financial support for people with arthritis. Available at: https://www.arthritis-uk.org/information-and-support/living-with-arthritis/work-benefits-and-finances/financial-support-for-people-with-arthritis/
Citizens Advice (n.d.) Attendance Allowance. Available at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/attendance-allowance/
Examiner Live (2026) Older people could get £441 a month from DWP for back pain. Available at: https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/health/older-people-could-441-month-33239943
GOV.UK (n.d.a) Attendance Allowance: eligibility. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/eligibility
GOV.UK (n.d.b) Attendance Allowance: what you'll get. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/what-youll-get
GOV.UK (n.d.c) Attendance Allowance: how to claim. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/how-to-claim
GOV.UK (n.d.d) Attendance Allowance: claiming if you're nearing the end of life. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/claiming-end-of-life
mygov.scot (n.d.) Pension Age Disability Payment. Available at: https://www.mygov.scot/pension-age-disability-payment
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Important medical disclaimer
The content provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP, psychiatrist or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Never start, stop or change a prescribed medicine without speaking to your prescriber first.
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