Thousands of older people across the UK who are struggling with chronic back pain could be eligible for extra financial support worth up to £5,740 a year, according to new updates from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
For many pensioners, back pain can seriously limit mobility, reduce independence, and make even basic daily tasks difficult. To help with the additional costs that come with this condition, the DWP offers a range of benefits that can significantly boost your yearly income — even if you’re already receiving the State Pension.
This article explains everything you need to know about this £5,740 support: who qualifies, how to apply, and what kind of help is available right now.
What Is the £5,740 Support for Pensioners?
The DWP provides extra financial help to people who suffer from long-term health conditions or disabilities that affect their day-to-day life. For pensioners dealing with chronic or severe back pain, this support often comes through the Attendance Allowance — a non-means-tested benefit that can add thousands of pounds to your annual income.
The maximum Attendance Allowance rate in 2025 is £110.75 per week, which adds up to around £5,759 a year. This is a significant boost for retirees who need help managing pain, mobility, or care needs related to back issues.
Who Can Claim the Attendance Allowance?
You could be eligible for Attendance Allowance if:
- You are over State Pension age (currently 66 in the UK).
- You have a disability or health condition, such as chronic back pain, that makes it hard to carry out personal care or mobility tasks.
- You have needed help or supervision for at least 6 months due to your condition.
It doesn’t matter how much savings or income you have — this benefit is not means-tested. It is also tax-free, and you don’t need to have someone physically caring for you to qualify.
How Back Pain Can Qualify as a Disability
Chronic back pain is one of the UK’s most common health issues, particularly among older adults. It can affect mobility, balance, and daily activities like washing, dressing, cooking, or walking short distances.
If your back pain:
- Prevents you from moving around safely,
- Requires regular medical treatment or pain relief,
- Limits your ability to live independently, or
- Causes sleep disruption or difficulty using the bathroom —
then it may qualify you for Attendance Allowance.
The DWP recognises that long-term musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, slipped discs, or sciatica can be disabling even if they are not immediately visible.
How Much You Could Get Each Week
The amount you receive depends on how severely your back pain affects your daily life. The DWP offers two payment rates:
- Lower rate: £73.40 per week (£3,816.80 per year) — for those needing frequent help during the day OR at night.
- Higher rate: £110.75 per week (£5,759 per year) — for those needing help both during the day AND at night, or who are terminally ill.
These payments are paid every four weeks, directly into your bank account, and can be used however you need — for example, paying for a cleaner, mobility aids, taxis, or heating costs.
You Can Get Attendance Allowance on Top of the State Pension
One of the most common misconceptions is that pensioners can’t claim extra DWP benefits once they start receiving their State Pension. That’s not true.
The Attendance Allowance is completely separate from the State Pension and can be claimed alongside it. In fact, receiving this benefit can sometimes increase your eligibility for other payments, such as:
- Pension Credit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Housing Benefit
- Carer’s Allowance (for someone looking after you)
So if you qualify, claiming Attendance Allowance could unlock even more financial help.
How to Apply for Attendance Allowance
Applying for Attendance Allowance is straightforward, but it requires clear details about how your back pain affects your everyday life.
You can apply by:
- Calling the Attendance Allowance helpline (0800 731 0122) to request a paper form.
- Downloading the claim form from the official GOV.UK website and posting it to the DWP.
- Asking someone to help you fill it in, such as a family member or local advice charity like Age UK or Citizens Advice.
When completing your form, describe your symptoms honestly and in detail. Explain how back pain affects tasks like standing, getting out of bed, or cooking — and mention both good and bad days.
Medical Evidence That Can Help Your Claim
The DWP doesn’t usually require a doctor’s letter upfront, but medical evidence can support your case, especially if your condition is complex. Examples include:
- GP or physiotherapist reports
- Pain management clinic records
- Hospital discharge summaries
- Prescription lists or treatment plans
It’s best to include anything that shows how long-term or severe your back pain is.
Common Reasons Claims Are Rejected
Unfortunately, many Attendance Allowance claims are rejected the first time because applicants don’t give enough detail. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Saying “I can manage” without explaining how painful or slow tasks are
- Forgetting to mention that you need help or supervision for safety
- Not describing how pain affects you over time
- Leaving sections of the form blank
If you’re turned down, don’t panic — you can appeal or request a reconsideration, and many people are approved the second time.
Can You Get Both Attendance Allowance and PIP?
No, you can’t receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance at the same time.
If you were receiving PIP before reaching State Pension age, you’ll continue getting it instead of Attendance Allowance. But if you only develop chronic back pain after retirement, Attendance Allowance is the right benefit to claim.
Additional Benefits You Might Qualify For
Receiving Attendance Allowance can also “passport” you to other benefits and discounts, such as:
- Pension Credit: which can increase your weekly income and provide access to other support like free TV licences.
- Council Tax Reduction: local councils often reduce bills for low-income or disabled pensioners.
- Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payments: help with heating costs during colder months.
- Disabled Facilities Grants: if you need home adaptations like stairlifts or handrails.
This means that a successful claim could make you thousands of pounds better off — not just from Attendance Allowance, but from all the linked benefits too.
Back Pain Among UK Pensioners: A Growing Issue
According to NHS England, back pain is one of the top causes of disability in the UK, affecting nearly 8 million adults. Among pensioners, it’s even more common due to age-related spinal wear, arthritis, and reduced muscle strength.
Severe back pain doesn’t just cause physical discomfort — it can lead to loneliness, depression, and reduced independence. That’s why benefits like Attendance Allowance are so important: they allow older adults to afford the help they need to stay comfortable, mobile, and socially active.
Real-Life Example
Take Margaret, a 74-year-old from Manchester. She suffered from chronic lower back pain due to degenerative disc disease. After struggling for months, she applied for Attendance Allowance with help from Age UK. Within eight weeks, she was approved for the higher rate, receiving over £440 every four weeks.
Margaret says the money has allowed her to pay for a home cleaner and occasional taxi rides to medical appointments, greatly improving her independence and peace of mind.
How to Get Help With Your Application
If you’re unsure how to start, several organisations across the UK can help you complete your Attendance Allowance claim for free:
- Age UK (0800 678 1602)
- Citizens Advice
- Scope
- Independent Age
These groups can check your eligibility, help you fill in forms, and even assist if you need to challenge a DWP decision.
Key Takeaway
If you’re a pensioner living with back pain, you don’t have to struggle financially. The DWP’s Attendance Allowance could give you an annual boost of up to £5,740, helping you manage the extra costs of care and support.
Even if your condition seems “manageable,” it’s still worth applying — many people don’t realise they qualify until they describe their daily challenges in full. With the right advice and information, you could secure the financial help you deserve.
Final Thoughts
Living with back pain can make retirement much harder, but the UK benefits system does provide real, practical help. The key is knowing what you’re entitled to and applying with as much detail as possible.
Whether you use the money for mobility aids, home help, or simply to stay warm and comfortable — it can make a life-changing difference.
If you or someone you know is struggling with back pain in later life, check your eligibility today. You could soon be receiving hundreds of pounds every month — and the peace of mind that comes with it.