Martin Lewis has called on pensioners to check whether they qualify for Attendance Allowance, a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit worth up to £5,959.20 a year that remains "underclaimed" by hundreds of thousands of people. The personal finance expert highlighted that approximately 1.1 million eligible pensioners are not claiming the support, according to figures from Policy in Practice.
Attendance Allowance Rates and Eligibility
Attendance Allowance is designed for those aged 66 and over living with disabilities or serious health conditions who require regular support. The benefit is available at two rates: the lower rate of £76.70 per week (approx. £3,988.40 per year) for those needing frequent help or constant supervision during the day or supervision at night, and the higher rate of £114.60 per week (approx. £5,959.20 per year) for those needing help or supervision both day and night, or who are terminally ill.
Importantly, the payment is not means-tested, meaning anyone who meets the eligibility criteria will receive it regardless of their income or savings. Mr Lewis stated in a Money Saving Expert newsletter: "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."
Impact of Claiming Attendance Allowance
Claiming Attendance Allowance can open the door to other benefits. MSE reader Dawn shared her 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!"
How to Apply
To qualify for Attendance Allowance, applicants must have reached state pension age, currently set at 66. Applications can be submitted regardless of whether people are receiving state pension, hold savings, or remain in employment. The condition must have been present for at least six months. Applicants must be living in Great Britain and have been present in the country for at least two of the past three years.
While the application paperwork is complex, help is available through bodies like Citizens Advice and Age UK. Most applicants will not need an in-person assessment, though the DWP may arrange one if there is uncertainty about how the condition impacts the individual. It is important to note that you cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you are already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
