Business & Finance
Martin Lewis tells pensioners 'claim non means tested' boost worth up to £5,959
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Need to know Martin Lewis tells pensioners 'claim non means tested' boost worth up to £5,959 Around 1.1 million are eligible - but not claiming the money - all you need to know Need to know: Martin Lewis urges pensioners to claim underused attendance allowance - Money-saving expert Martin Lewis is urging pensioners to check if they're missing out on thousands of pounds through an underclaimed state benefit. - Attendance Allowance is designed for people aged 66 and over living with...
Need to know
Martin Lewis tells pensioners 'claim non means tested' boost worth up to £5,959
Around 1.1 million are eligible - but not claiming the money - all you need to know
Need to know: Martin Lewis urges pensioners to claim underused attendance allowance
- Money-saving expert Martin Lewis is urging pensioners to check if they're missing out on thousands of pounds through an underclaimed state benefit.
- Attendance Allowance is designed for people aged 66 and over living with disabilities or serious health conditions requiring regular care. The benefit offers two rates - £76.70 or £114.60 per week - potentially worth up to £5,959.20 annually.
- Crucially, the benefit is not means-tested, meaning eligibility isn't determined by income or savings. Lewis estimates 1.1 million UK pensioners are potentially missing out on this support.
- "This is a payment that helps you if you need help - it's to give you extra money if you need help and support," Lewis explained. "Crucially, it isn't means-tested, so they don't look at how much money you have."
- To qualify, applicants must need help or supervision for at least six months with daily living activities or avoiding dangers. Common qualifying conditions include arthritis, visual impairments, cardiac conditions, Parkinson's disease, and breathing difficulties.
- The benefit cannot be claimed alongside Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Support with applications is available from Citizens Advice and Age UK.
- A wide variety of prevalent medical conditions may make individuals eligible for Attendance Allowance, including arthritis, visual impairments, cardiac conditions, Parkinson's disease, and breathing difficulties such as asthma. Two payment levels are available, based on the degree of care required, with the higher tier providing £114.60 weekly and the lower tier offering £76.70.
- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirms that while the benefit is designed to assist with care expenses, claimants have complete freedom to use the funds as they wish.
- READ THE FULL STORY AND HOW TO CLAIM: Martin Lewis urges pensioners to claim 'non means tested' £5,959 DWP benefit