State pensioners left £100s out of pocket trying to claim Attendance Allowance

State pensioners left £100s out of pocket trying to claim Attendance Allowance Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert.com website says it has seen examples of “no win, no fee” firms charging hundreds of pounds to submit claims for people A warning has been issued to disabled or ill pensioners who are being urged not to pay for help with applying for benefits. The issue related to Attendance Allowance, which is awarded to people over state pension age who have a disability, health issue or mental health problems and need extra help. Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert.com website says it has seen examples of “no win, no fee” firms charging hundreds of pounds to submit claims for people - despite there being free services available to help those who are struggling. One person told the website she had paid £1,033 for a firm to submit her application. MSE says sometimes people have been charged a fixed fee, but in other cases it can be a cut of any benefit you're awarded in the first year. Instead of paying for help, MSE recommends contacting Age UK (0800 678 1602), Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848), Independent Age (0800 319 6789), Scope (0808 800 3333) or Turn2Us (0808 164 8817). There are two different rates of Attendance Allowance. The lower rate of £76.70 a week is awarded if you need help during the day, or night. The higher rate is £114.60 a week if you need help both day and night, or are nearing the end of life. But crucially, you do not actually need to have someone caring for you in order to claim Attendance Allowance - the money can used on things that keep you independent or help you around the house. For example, it could be used to pay for a cleaner, gardener or taxis. You may qualify for Attendance Allowance if your condition means you have needed help for at least six months. Attendance Allowance is paid every four weeks, which means you could receive either £306.80 or £458.40 every pay period. It is not a means-tested benefit there is no limit on how much money you can have in savings. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the benefit cap. If you claim other benefits, these might increase if you get Attendance Allowance. You won't be able to Attendance Allowance if you already get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Attendance Allowance has been replaced in Scotland with Pension Age Disability Payment. There are potentially up to one million eligible pensioners missing out on Attendance Allowance, according to research firm Policy in Practice.