Martin Lewis is urging pensioners to check their eligibility for Attendance Allowance, a benefit worth up to £5,959.20 per year that remains massively underclaimed. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers the benefit for people aged 66 and over who have disabilities or health conditions requiring regular care. It is not means-tested, meaning it is paid regardless of income or savings.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance comes in two rates: a lower rate of £73.90 per week (£3,842.80 annually) and a higher rate of £110.40 per week (£5,740.80 annually). The rates for the 2025/26 tax year are slightly higher, with the lower rate at £76.40 and higher at £114.20 per week, according to DWP figures. The benefit is designed to help with care costs, but recipients can spend the money as they wish.
According to Policy in Practice, approximately 1.1 million eligible pensioners are not claiming the support. Martin Lewis highlighted this in a Money Saving Expert newsletter, stating: "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." He added that the benefit "still remains massively underclaimed, with potentially a million eligible pensioners missing out."
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must have reached state pension age (currently 66) and have a physical or mental condition severe enough to require help with personal care or supervision. The need must have existed for at least six months. Common qualifying conditions include arthritis, visual impairments, heart disease, Parkinson's, and respiratory problems like asthma.
The lower rate is for those who need frequent help or supervision during the day or night. The higher rate is for those who need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or are terminally ill. You can claim even if you live alone or have someone helping you.
How to Apply
Applications are made to the DWP using a claim form. You will need your National Insurance number, NHS number, and details of your condition. Most claims are decided based on the form alone, though a face-to-face assessment may sometimes be required. Organisations like Citizens Advice and Age UK can help with the application.
You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you are already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). The benefit is tax-free and does not affect your state pension.
Impact on Other Benefits
Claiming Attendance Allowance can unlock other benefits, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and a free TV licence. One MoneySavingExpert reader, Dawn, shared her success: after claiming Attendance Allowance for both parents, they received £10,598 per year in AA, plus £1,233 in Pension Credit. This opened doors to Housing Benefit (£9,207), Council Tax reduction (£1,534), a free TV licence (£169), and phone savings (£420). Total annual gain: over £20,000.
Martin Lewis advises: "If you think you're entitled to attendance allowance, you should push through. This is for disabled or ill state pensioner. It could be you, or it could be someone you know."
