Financial expert Martin Lewis has urged pensioners to check whether they could be entitled to a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit worth up to £5,959.20 a year, warning that around one million eligible older people are still missing out on the support. Attendance Allowance is available to people aged 66 and over who have a disability, illness or long-term health condition that means they need regular help or supervision. Unlike many other benefits, it is not means-tested, meaning entitlement is based on a person's care needs rather than their income, savings or whether they receive the State Pension.
How much is Attendance Allowance?
The benefit is paid at two different rates depending on the level of care required. The higher rate is worth £114.60 a week, or around £5,959.20 a year, and is available to those who need help or supervision during both the day and night, or who are terminally ill. The lower rate is worth £76.70 a week, or around £3,988.40 annually, and is paid to people who need frequent help or supervision during the day or supervision during the night. Although Attendance Allowance is intended to help with the extra costs associated with disability or ill health, recipients are free to spend the money however they choose.
Why are so many missing out?
Writing in the latest MoneySavingExpert newsletter, Martin Lewis said many older people face increasing financial pressures as their health declines, while also finding it more difficult to navigate the benefits system. He said: "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."
Mr Lewis highlighted estimates from Policy in Practice suggesting around 1.1 million eligible pensioners are not currently claiming the benefit and encouraged anyone who believes they may qualify to make an application. Speaking on his podcast, Lewis also stressed that even the lower rate of Attendance Allowance can provide a significant financial boost. He said: "If you think you're entitled to Attendance Allowance, you should push through. This is for disabled or ill state pensioners. It could be you, or it could be someone you know."
Who qualifies and how to apply?
A wide range of health conditions can qualify someone for Attendance Allowance, including arthritis, Parkinson's disease, heart conditions, respiratory illnesses such as asthma, vision impairments and mental health conditions. To qualify, applicants must have reached State Pension age, currently 66, and have needed help with personal care or supervision for at least six months, unless they are terminally ill. Claims can be made regardless of whether someone receives the State Pension, has savings or continues to work.
MoneySavingExpert reader Dawn shared how successfully claiming Attendance Allowance for both of her parents unlocked thousands of pounds in additional support. She wrote: "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!"
The DWP says Attendance Allowance is available to people whose disability or health condition is severe enough that they need help caring for themselves or require supervision to keep themselves or others safe. Applicants must be living in Great Britain and have been present in the country for at least two of the previous three years. Most claims are decided using the information provided on the application form, although some people may be asked to attend a medical assessment if more evidence is needed. Those applying are encouraged to include details such as their National Insurance number, NHS number and any relevant prescription or hospital information to support their claim.
People already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) cannot usually claim Attendance Allowance. Support with completing the application is available through organisations including Citizens Advice and Age UK, which can help people understand the eligibility criteria and complete the necessary paperwork.
