
Financial guru Martin Lewis has issued an urgent reminder to pensioners across the UK, encouraging those over 65 to check if they're eligible for a little-known benefit that could boost their income by up to £4,000 a year.
The MoneySavingExpert founder used his platform to highlight the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) Attendance Allowance, a tax-free payment designed to help older people with disabilities or health conditions cover extra care costs.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance provides financial support to those who need help with personal care due to illness or disability. Unlike some benefits, it's not means-tested, meaning your savings or income won't affect your eligibility.
The benefit comes in two rates:
- £72.65 per week for those needing help during the day or night
- £108.55 per week for those requiring round-the-clock assistance
Who Can Claim?
To qualify, you must:
- Be 65 or older
- Have a physical or mental disability that requires care
- Have needed help for at least six months (unless terminally ill)
Martin Lewis stressed: "This isn't just for people with mobility issues. If you have conditions like arthritis, dementia, or sensory impairments that make daily tasks difficult, you might qualify."
Why Are People Missing Out?
Despite potentially helping hundreds of thousands, take-up of Attendance Allowance remains low. Many pensioners either:
- Don't realise they're eligible
- Find the application process daunting
- Mistakenly believe other benefits disqualify them
Lewis urged: "Don't self-reject. The DWP won't come knocking to tell you you're entitled - you need to apply."
How to Apply
Applications can be made:
- Online via GOV.UK
- By post using form AA1
- Over the phone (0800 731 0122)
The process involves detailing how your condition affects daily life. Citizens Advice and Age UK offer free help with applications.
With rising living costs squeezing pensioner budgets, this call to action from Britain's most trusted money expert could make a significant difference to many households.