Pensioners with common medical condition could receive as much as £441 each month

New data from theDepartment for Work and Pensions(DWP) reveals that over half a million people (508,964) across Great Britain are now receiving Attendance Allowance support for arthritis, making it the most claimed-for health condition by individuals over State Pension age.

Currently, more than 46,798 elderlyindividuals in Scotland receive either £73.90 or £110.40 each week, along with 1,986 living abroad. This tax-free benefit, unaffected by savings or income, is paid every four weeks, meaning someone on the lower rate will receive £295.60 each pay period, while those on the higher rate will receive £441.40.

It's crucial to note that new claims for Attendance Allowance have now been replaced in Scotland by Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) - full details can be found here.

READ MORE: State Pension could face means testing shake-up, expert warns

READ MORE: State Pension petition hits 10,500 signatures over increased payments for older Brits

Arthritis, the most common disabling condition - a broad term used by the DWP to cover a multitude of health conditions - typically causes stiffness, swelling, pain and inflammation in a joint and accounts for more than one-third (35%) of all the 1.7 million claimants on Attendance Allowance.

Across Great Britain, an estimated 20 million people suffer from arthritis or other similar conditions that affect the joints. Therefore, if you're living with arthritis, back, joint, muscle or chronic pain, you could be eligible for support from the DWP through the benefit, reports the Daily Record.

People claiming Attendance Allowance for arthritis

There are currently 1,735,589 million older individuals claiming Attendance Allowance across Great Britain, including 155,210 residing in Scotland. All existing Attendance Allowance claimants living in Scotland will transfer to PADP by the end of this year.

The number of people claiming Attendance Allowance in February 2025:

• Scotland: 155,210
• England: 1,459,541
• Wales: 113,910
• Living abroad: 6,456
• Great Britain total: 1,735,589

Many more individuals may be entitled to Attendance Allowance but simply do not know enough about it to make a claim.

Here is a brief overview of what you should know about Attendance Allowance, including how to begin your application. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

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.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance assists 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 make a claim.

Who can claim?

You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you don't currently get that help.

This might include:

• Assistance with personal care tasks such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet is available
• Help to ensure your safety is also provided

You should consider applying if you struggle with personal tasks, for instance, if they take a long time, cause discomfort, or require physical support like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn't solely for individuals with a physical disability or illness.

You should also apply if you need assistance or supervision throughout the day or night due to:

• a mental health condition
• learning difficulties
• a sensory condition - such as being deaf or visually impaired

READ MORE: Major change to contactless card payment limits as £100 maximum could be ditched

How much could I potentially receive from Attendance Allowance?

You could be eligible for £73.90 if you require help during the day or at night, or £110.40 if you need assistance both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, meaning you could receive either £295.60 or £441.40 each pay period.

The money can be used however you see fit and could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for a longer period.

This could include:

• using it for taxi fares
• contributing towards bills
• hiring a cleaner or gardener

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

Yes, Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so your income or savings won't affect it - there's no limit. It's also tax-free and you'll be exempt from the Benefit Cap, so you won't lose any other benefits.

Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?

No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money.

How does Attendance Allowance influence other benefits?

Your other benefits might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:

• Extra Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit Reduction
• Council Tax Reduction

How do I apply?

You'll need to fill out a lengthy claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem intimidating at first but help is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don't let the form deter you from applying.

If you'd prefer to do it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to complete 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.

Full details on how to make a claim for PADP through Social Security Scotland can be found here.

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

If you're considering applying for Attendance Allowance when you hit State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately - you could potentially receive more money.

Who's ineligible for Attendance Allowance?

You won't qualify for Attendance Allowance if you're already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while on DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award instead.

You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance.

For more information about Attendance Allowance, visit the GOV.UK website here.

READ MORE: Pensioners warned of 'increase' in car insurance fees after they hit certain age

Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment

Guidance on mygov.scot provides comprehensive details on who can claim, how to claim, additional help available, what happens after a claim is submitted and extra support for successful claimants. Find out more here.

You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both:

• Reached State Pension age (66)
• Had care needs during the day or night for six months or more because of a disability or health condition

You can still apply if:

• You have not had care needs for six months or more - your award will begin six months from when your care needs started if your application is successful
• You are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis
• You have a terminal illness - there is a separate fast-track application process if you’re terminally ill

It's crucial to note that you cannot receive Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance simultaneously. Existing claimants will automatically transition to Pension Age Disability Payment - Social Security Scotland will handle this, and you won't need to do anything.

If you're currently receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA), there's no need to take any action. Your benefit will transition to Social Security Scotland.

The rates for Pension Age Disability Payment

Social Security Scotland will offer the Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance. This is also being done for the devolved Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment.

The weekly payment rates for Attendance Allowance are:

• Lower rate - £73.90
• Higher rate - £110.40

How can I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment?

You can only apply for this new disability assistance benefit if it has been launched in your area. You can verify this on the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here.

Anyone over State Pension age with a disability that requires assistance with self-care, or supervision for safety, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP.

Receive support making a claim from an independent advocate

Assistance is also available from the independent advocacy service VoiceAbility, funded by the Scottish Government, to aid disabled individuals applying for devolved benefits.

It offers a free, nationwide advocacy service to help disabled people access Social Security Scotland benefits.

If you require an advocate, you should:

• contact Social Security Scotland for free on 0800 182 2222
• ask them to refer you to the Independent Advocacy Service

Full contact details can be found here.