Overview
- New DWP data reports 1.7 million older people receiving Attendance Allowance, with nearly 484,000 claims for arthritis and 74,804 over‑66s for back pain.
- Eligible claimants can receive £73.90 or £110.40 per week, paid every four weeks at £295.60 or £441.40.
- The benefit is tax-free, not means-tested, and does not affect State Pension, with potential to increase means-tested support such as Pension Credit despite some incorrect media wording to the contrary.
- In Scotland, new applications are made through the devolved Pension Age Disability Payment administered by Social Security Scotland.
- Many who could qualify remain unaware, and application help is available from Citizens Advice and, for devolved benefits, the independent advocacy service VoiceAbility.