Money expert Martin Lewis says millions of state pensioners are still missing out on a benefit which could be worth up to almost £8,000 a year.
Martin has said that as many as 1.1M people across the UK are still missing out on a little known benefit known as Attendance Allowance worth between £3,778 a year and £7,956 a year.
The handout, which is not means tested so potentially open to anyone regardless of income, gives thousands to people of state pension age who need help with their daily living.
There is no specific list of conditions, Martin urged, but it could be any mental or physical disability or illness as long as it has a direct impact on you.
If you needed help for at least six consecutive months (whether you actually got that help or not), for daily tasks like washing, eating and dressing, or you needed supervision with those same tasks, you may well be eligible to get the cash.
The benefit is commonly given to people with Parkinson’s, dementia, terminal illness, blindness, learning difficulties and more.
Martin Lewis explained via his MSE newsletter: “Basic Attendance Allowance is worth £73 a week – that’s £3,778 a year. There are two rates of AA:- Need help during the day OR night? You get the lower rate of £73/wk (£3,778/yr).- Need help during BOTH the day and night? You get the higher rate of £109/wk (£5,644/yr).- Have less than 12 months to live? You get the higher rate of £109/wk (£5,644/yr).”
Attendance Allowance eligibility could also boost your Pension Credit payment, leading to even more financial support, as well as a council tax reduction or extra housing benefit.
Martin heard from a man who claimed on behalf of his mother in law. She had her Pension Credit reassessed as she is severely disabled, and her benefit was increased by £36 a week with a £1,010 back payment on top of £73 a week for Attendance Allowance with a further £727 backpayment for a total annual lift of £7,956.
As the government’s Gov.UK explains: “It’s paid at 2 different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.
You could get £72.65 or £108.55 a week to help with personal support if you’re both:
“It does not cover mobility needs.”
“You could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction if you get Attendance Allowance.”
“You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim.”
