DWP could pay older people with arthritis up to £358 every month on top of State Pension – Daily Record

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people aged over 16 and under State Pension age who need help with daily living tasks or getting around outside the home as a result of a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition.

If someone is already receiving PIP when they reach State Pension age, this will carry on and if someone is already getting Disability Living Allowance (DLA), they will be invited to apply for it.

However, when someone reaches State Pension age who has never claimed either benefit before, finds themselves needing additional support to remain independent for longer in their own home, they could be eligible for Attendance Allowance.

If you have arthritis or other musculoskeletal conditions, you could be eligible for Attendance Allowance
(Image: Getty)

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The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in February 2021, there were 1,392,093 people across the UK claiming the benefit, worth up to £358.40 each month, including 124,192 Scots.

Breakdown of Attendance Allowance claimants in Scotland:

• Women – 77,090 claimants (63%)
• Men – 47,102 claimants (37%)

Of the Attendance Allowance claimants in receipt of payments, 60 per cent were aged 80 or over.

The most common disabling condition was arthritis (30%), followed by dementia (8%).

Many more people are entitled to Attendance Allowance but simply do not know enough about it to make a claim. Below is everything you need to know about the benefit, including how to make a claim.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance helps 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 claim.

Who can make a 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 do not currently get that help.

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 also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical …….

Source: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/money/claim-attendance-allowance-arthritis-25424320