The ‘underclaimed’ benefit could see people receive thousands of pounds each year
Martin Lewis said DWP figures suggest 1 million state pensioners are missing out on a non-means tested benefit(Image: ITV)
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has issued a fresh appeal for pensioners who might qualify to verify whether they’re losing out on thousands of pounds annually through an “underclaimed” state benefit.
Attendance Allowance, targeted at those aged 66 and over with disabilities or serious health conditions requiring regular support, is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The benefit provides two tiers of payment, which could deliver an additional £3,842.80 or £5,644 per year, and it’s not means-tested.
Importantly, qualification for Attendance Allowance doesn’t depend on income or savings, guaranteeing that all eligible individuals will receive the payment regardless of their financial circumstances.
In the Money Saving Expert newsletter, Mr Lewis declared: “For many older people who are ill or start to face mental or physical disability, life doesn’t just get tougher, it gets costlier too. Add to that the fact people’s conditions can make it more difficult to spend the time and energy needed to research possible help. That’s why 18 months ago we launched our Attendance Allowance (AA) guide and awareness campaign, and successes have flooded in since. Yet it still remains massively underclaimed, with potentially a million eligible pensioners missing out (source: Policy in Practice).
“So whether it’s you or someone close to you who may qualify, take 2mins to read what the team and I have put below, starting with some inspiration on the domino effect Attendance Allowance can have (in this case for lower-income pensioners).”
He proceeded to emphasise that roughly 1.1 million eligible pensioners are not claiming the benefit, according to figures from Policy in Practice, indicating a requirement for greater public awareness.
Various common health conditions could make people entitled to Attendance Allowance, including arthritis, sight problems, heart conditions, Parkinson’s disease, and breathing difficulties such as asthma.
Two payment levels are available depending on the level of care required, with the higher rate delivering £110.40 per week and the lower rate supplying £73.90.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) states that while the benefit is designed to assist with care costs, recipients have full freedom regarding how they use the money.
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MSE reader Dawn revealed her extraordinary success story: “Dear Martin, after watching numerous shows I have successfully claimed Attendance Allowance for both of my parents worth £10,598/yr and Pension Credit worth £1,233/yr. This opened doorways to Housing Benefit worth £9,207/yr, Council Tax reduction of £1,534/yr, a free TV licence saving £169/yr and swapping their phone to BT saving £420/yr. They also received rebates of £3,449 for Housing Benefit and £604 for Council Tax. All in all, they are better off by more than £20,000/yr thanks to you and obviously me for completing the necessary applications! Thank you for everything you do.”
How to claim Attendance Allowance:
To be eligible for Attendance Allowance, applicants must have reached the state pension age, presently set at 66. The benefit can be claimed irrespective of whether the person is receiving state pension payments, has savings, or is still earning a regular income.
The application forms are complex, though assistance is available from organisations like Citizens Advice and Age UK, which offer guidance throughout the procedure and provide advice for digital submissions.
For eligibility, claimants must have a physical condition, mental health issue, or illness severe enough to require assistance for their wellbeing or that of others, with this support having been needed for a minimum of six months. The lower payment tier necessitates regular supervision or care during daytime or evening hours, while the higher amount is for those requiring 24-hour support or individuals nearing end of life.
Applicants must be living in Great Britain at the time of application and have spent at least two of the previous three years in the country. Decisions are typically made by DWP agents based on the information provided in the form, making it crucial to include all relevant details, such as a national insurance number, NHS number, prescription and hospital records.
Most applicants will not need to undergo an in-person assessment, although this remains a possibility.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) states that if it’s unclear how your disability or health condition affects you, a medical professional will conduct an examination. It’s important to note that you cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you’re already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
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