Can You Get Attendance Allowance for Arthritis?
Yes. Arthritis is the most common qualifying condition for Attendance Allowance, accounting for over one-third (35%) of all 1.7 million claimants across Great Britain. If you are over State Pension age and your arthritis makes daily tasks difficult, there is a strong chance you qualify.
Attendance Allowance for arthritis is worth up to £114.60 per week (£5,959.20 per year) at the higher rate, or £76.70 per week at the lower rate. It is completely tax-free and not means-tested – your savings, pension, and other income make no difference.
This guide covers who qualifies, what to write on the form, and how to give yourself the best chance of a successful claim.
How Arthritis Affects Daily Living
Arthritis – whether osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another type – can affect almost every aspect of daily life. The DWP does not award Attendance Allowance for having arthritis. They award it for the difficulties, care and supervision needs that arthritis creates.
Common ways arthritis affects personal care include:
- Morning stiffness – difficulty getting out of bed, especially with rheumatoid arthritis or polymyalgia rheumatica. Joints may be stiff and painful for 30 minutes to several hours
- Dressing – difficulty fastening buttons, zips, laces or clasps. Difficulty putting clothes over the head or bending to put on shoes and socks Difficulty pulling clothing over the head or bending to put on shoes and socks
- Washing and bathing – challenges experienced with getting in and out of a bath or shower safely washing hair, cleaning teeth or shaving
- Toileting – difficulty standing up and sitting down ,challenges with clothing adjustment or difficulty managing post toileting hygiene
- Eating and drinking – difficulty gripping cutlery or cutting food safely, opening containers, lifting kettles or challenges experienced when making food in line with specific dietary requirements
- Mobility within the home – difficulty getting in and out of chairs, climbing stairs, risk of falls
- Medication – difficulty ordering or collecting medication, difficulty opening tablet packets or bottles. Difficulty remembering to take multiple medications at the prescribed time.
What Rate Could You Get?
| Rate | Per Week | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Lower rate | £76.70 | You need help during the day or at night |
| Higher rate | £114.60 | You need help during the day and at night |
Many people with arthritis initially claim only the lower rate because they do not describe their night-time needs. If arthritis causes pain that wakes you at night, difficulty turning over in bed, or the need for help getting to the toilet, make sure you describe this on the form. Read our full guide on night-time care needs for Attendance Allowance.
How to Describe Arthritis on the AA1 Form
The most important thing to remember is: describe how arthritis affects you, not just that you have arthritis. A diagnosis alone does not qualify you. The DWP wants to understand what you struggle with and how often.
Tips for a strong application
- Describe your worst days – If you have good days and bad days, focus on the bad days. Explain how many bad days you have in a typical week
- Be specific about time and frequency – Instead of “I need help getting dressed”, write: “I need help every morning to get dressed. My daughter helps me for about 20 minutes because I cannot lift my arms above shoulder height or fasten buttons due to pain and stiffness in my hands and shoulders”
- Explain what happens without help – “Without help, I would stay in my nightwear all day” or “Without help, I would not be able to eat a hot meal”
- Mention aids and adaptations – If you use grab rails, a raised toilet seat, a perching stool, a long-handled reacher, or any other aid, mention it. Explain if you still need help despite using them
- Include all conditions – If you have arthritis plus depression, heart disease, or any other condition, describe how all of them affect you. The DWP assesses your total care needs, not just one condition
Example from the Age UK factsheet
“Arthur is 68 and has arthritis and depression. He manages most things, but often lacks the motivation to get up, get dressed, eat or socialise. His arthritis makes gripping, bending and moving around difficult, so he needs to take his time doing most things and limits how often he attempts them. He qualifies for Attendance Allowance as he needs attention.”
Source: Age UK – Attendance Allowance
Does Attendance Allowance Affect Other Benefits?
No – it does not reduce any of your other benefits. In fact, being awarded Attendance Allowance can increase your entitlement to other benefits:
- Pension Credit – You may qualify for the Severe Disability Addition, currently worth up to £86.05 per week. See our guide on Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit – Your housing benefit calculation may increase
- Council Tax Reduction – Many councils offer reduced council tax for disability benefit recipients
- Carer’s Allowance – If someone provides you with 35+ hours of care per week, they may qualify for Carer’s Allowance
How to Apply
You apply by completing the AA1 form. You can:
- Call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request a form (your claim date starts from this call)
- Apply online at GOV.UK
- Download and print the form from GOV.UK
The form is 32 pages long and asks detailed questions about your daily life. If you would prefer professional help, our team of HCPC-registered Occupational Therapists can conduct an assessment and complete the entire form for you. There is no fee unless your application is successful.
Check your eligibility now – free, no obligation, takes 2 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Attendance Allowance for arthritis?
Yes. Arthritis is the most common qualifying condition for Attendance Allowance, accounting for over 35% of all claims. What matters is not the diagnosis itself, but how arthritis affects your ability to care for yourself. If you need help with tasks like washing, dressing, toileting, or eating, you are likely to qualify.
How much is Attendance Allowance for arthritis?
The rates are the same regardless of condition. For 2026/27, the lower rate is £76.70 per week (if you need help during the day or night) and the higher rate is £114.60 per week (if you need help during both the day and night). Both rates are tax-free and not means-tested.
Do I need a letter from my doctor to claim Attendance Allowance?
A doctor’s letter is not required, but it can strengthen your application. The DWP may contact your GP for medical evidence. It is helpful to list your GP’s details and any specialists you see on the form. The most important part of the application is your description of how arthritis affects your daily life.