Benefits You May Be Eligible for with Arthritis
Arthritis can significantly affect daily living, mobility, and the ability to work. If you live with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or another form of the condition, you may be entitled to financial support through the UK benefits system. The benefits available to you could depend on your age, how your condition affects you, and your financial circumstances.
How Arthritis May Affect Your Eligibility
Benefits such as PIP and Attendance Allowance are based on how your condition affects you day to day — not the diagnosis itself. If arthritis limits your ability to prepare food, wash, dress, move around, or manage your medications, you may score enough points to qualify. When applying, it can help to describe your worst days. The DWP recognises that conditions like arthritis can fluctuate, so your application could reflect the full range of difficulties you experience, including pain levels, stiffness, fatigue, and reduced grip strength.
PIP and Arthritis
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is for working-age adults whose health condition affects daily living or mobility. If arthritis makes it difficult to cook, wash, dress, or walk, you may be eligible. PIP has two components — daily living and mobility — each with a standard and enhanced rate. You could receive up to £184.30 per week if you meet the criteria for both enhanced rates. PIP is not means-tested, so your income and savings do not affect eligibility.
Attendance Allowance and Arthritis
If you are over State Pension age, Attendance Allowance may be relevant. It is for people who need help with personal care or supervision due to a health condition. Many people with arthritis receive this benefit, particularly if they need assistance with bathing, dressing, or moving around safely. Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates — up to £73.90 or up to £110.40 per week — depending on whether you need help during the day, at night, or both.
Other Support You Could Receive
Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if arthritis affects your ability to work, Universal Credit if you are on a low income, Pension Credit if you are over State Pension age, Council Tax Reduction, or a Blue Badge for parking if you have mobility difficulties. Receiving one benefit can sometimes unlock others. For example, receiving PIP or Attendance Allowance could make someone who helps you eligible for Carer's Allowance.
Benefits You May Be Eligible For
Based on how arthritis may affect daily life, the following benefits could be relevant to your situation. Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For working-age adults whose health affects daily living or mobility.
Up to £184.30/wk
Attendance Allowance
For people over State Pension age who need help with personal care.
Up to £110.40/wk
Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
For people whose health limits their ability to work.
Up to £138.20/wk
Universal Credit
Main means-tested benefit for working-age people on low income.
Varies by circumstance
Pension Credit
Tops up weekly income for people over State Pension age.
Up to £218.15/wk (couple)
Council Tax Reduction
Reduction on Council Tax for people on low income or receiving certain benefits.
Up to 100% discount
Blue Badge
Parking concession for people with mobility difficulties.
Carer's Allowance
For people who care for someone with a disability 35+ hours per week.
Up to £83.30/wk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim PIP for arthritis?
What benefits can I claim for arthritis if I am over 65?
How do I describe arthritis on a benefits application?
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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.