0Martin Lewis says ‘non means tested’ £3,988 with 1.1 million pensioners eligible | Wales Online Follow walesonline:
Need to know
All you need to know as Department for Work and Pensions benefit is designed to help people aged 66 and over – but many don’t apply
Need to know: Martin Lewis urges pensioners to claim underused attendance allowance
- Financial expert Martin Lewis has renewed his call for pensioners to check if they’re missing out on thousands of pounds annually through Attendance Allowance.
- The Department for Work and Pensions benefit is aimed at people aged 66 and above with disabilities or serious health conditions requiring regular care. It offers two payment rates of £76.70 or £114.60 per week, potentially adding up to £5,959.20 annually, and crucially isn’t means-tested.
- 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 the benefit isn’t determined by income or savings.
- Common qualifying conditions include arthritis, vision impairments, heart conditions, Parkinson’s disease, and respiratory problems like asthma. Applicants need help or supervision for at least six months with daily living activities.
- 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.
- READ THE FULL STORY: Martin Lewis says 1.1 million pensioners eligible for ‘non means tested’ £3,988.40 payment
