The personal finance expert says around 1.1 million eligible pensioners may not be claiming Attendance Allowance, despite the benefit being available regardless of earnings, pensions or savings. According to Money Saving Expert (MSE), increasing awareness of the scheme could also help some claimants access additional financial support.
Attendance Allowance is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and is available to people who have reached State Pension age, currently 66. The benefit is paid at two different rates depending on the level of care or supervision required.
According to the DWP, the lower rate is £76.70 a week for people who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night. The higher rate is £114.60 a week for those who need help or supervision during both the day and night, or who are terminally ill. These payments amount to approximately £3,988.40 and £5,959.20 a year respectively.
Martin Lewis Highlights Low Take-up of Attendance Allowance
Martin Lewis has renewed calls for eligible pensioners to check whether they qualify for Attendance Allowance, describing it as one of the country’s most underclaimed benefits.
According to MSE, Lewis said that illness and disability often increase day-to-day costs while also making it harder for people to research the financial help available to them. He said his organisation launched an Attendance Allowance guide and awareness campaign 18 months ago, but believes large numbers of eligible people are still missing out.
He also encouraged people to consider applying even if they expect to qualify only for the lower rate, stressing that it still represents thousands of pounds each year. During his podcast, Lewis said that anyone who believes they may be entitled to Attendance Allowance should pursue a claim, whether for themselves or someone they know.
MSE also shared the experience of one reader who successfully claimed Attendance Allowance for both parents alongside Pension Credit. According to the Mirror, those successful claims also opened access to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, a free TV licence and other savings, significantly increasing the household’s annual income.
Eligibility, Claims Process and Payment Rules
According to the DWP, Attendance Allowance is available to people who have reached State Pension age and whose physical or mental health condition is severe enough that they need help caring for themselves or supervision to keep themselves or others safe. In most cases, that need must have existed for at least six months.
The department states that claimants must normally live in Great Britain and have been present in the country for at least two of the previous three years. People living in Scotland must instead apply for Pension Age Disability Payment.
Applications can be submitted online or by post. Claimants need to provide details including their National Insurance number, contact information, details of their health condition, GP surgery and, where applicable, information about any care home, hospital or hospice stay.
According to the DWP, most applicants will not need to attend a face-to-face assessment, although one may be arranged if further information is required about how a person’s condition affects them. The department also states that Attendance Allowance cannot be claimed by people who are already receiving Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance. Successful claimants may spend the money as they choose, even though the benefit is intended to help with the additional costs associated with care.
