Martin Lewis has renewed his call for pensioners to check whether they are missing out on Attendance Allowance, a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit that can be worth thousands of pounds a year.
The benefit is aimed at people aged 66 and above with disabilities or serious health conditions that require regular care. It offers two payment rates of £76.70 or £114.60 per week, potentially adding up to £5,959.20 annually, and is not means-tested.
Who is eligible for Attendance Allowance?
Mr Lewis said: "So 1.1 million people potentially in the UK-State Pensioners, you have to be of state pension age-are missing out on Attendance Allowance." He emphasised that the benefit is not determined by income or savings.
Common qualifying conditions include arthritis, vision impairments, heart conditions, Parkinson's disease, and respiratory problems such as asthma. Applicants need help or supervision for at least six months with daily living activities.
How to apply and what support is available
One success story saw MSE reader Dawn claim benefits worth over £20,000 annually for her parents, including Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax reductions.
To qualify, individuals must have reached state pension age of 66 and been resident in Great Britain for two of the preceding three years. Support is available from Citizens Advice and Age UK for the application process.
However, those already receiving Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance cannot claim Attendance Allowance as well.
