DWP: Millions may be owed £440 a month for common condition

People of State Pension age could claim Attendance Allowance to cover any additional costs caused by their condition. <i>(Image: Getty/PA)</i>
People of State Pension age could claim Attendance Allowance to cover any additional costs caused by their condition. (Image: Getty/PA)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Millions of Brits could be owed up to £440 from the DWP if they suffer from a common problem.

People of State Pension age could claim Attendance Allowance to cover any additional costs caused by their condition.

Currently, almost 484,000 pensioners across the country are claiming Attendance Allowance for Arthritis, the most common condition.

There are many possible causes of joint pain. It might be caused by an injury or a longer-lasting problem such as arthritis.

Your symptoms might give you an idea of what could be causing the pain. But do not self-diagnose, see a GP if you're worried.

Types of joint pain

According to the NHS, common types of joint pain include:

You might feel pain in 1 joint, or more than 1 joint at the same time, such as your knees and hips.

Approximately 2.5 million people across the UK suffer from back pain every single day of the year.

But a lot of them may not realise they could be due financial assistance to cover any additional costs caused by their condition. 

Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that 1.7 million elderly individuals are currently receiving extra financial aid through Attendance Allowance.

The benefits, which are not means-tested and valued at either £72.65 or £108.55 per week, aim to assist those of State Pension age with daily living expenses.

Eligibility for Attendance Allowance is not influenced by savings or income and is paid every four weeks.


Recommended reading:


This means that individuals on the lower rate will receive £295.60 each pay period, while those on the higher rate will receive £441.40.

A significant number of people may qualify for Attendance Allowance but simply lack sufficient knowledge about it to make a claim.

It's also worth considering making a claim for Attendance Allowance - or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) if you or a family member are below State Pension age.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos