Money-saving expert Martin Lewis is urging pensioners to check if they qualify for Attendance Allowance, a non-means-tested benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Even those who are not financially struggling may be eligible for payments of up to £108.55 per week, totaling £5,644 per year.
Shockingly, an estimated 1.1 million eligible pensioners are missing out on this benefit, according to Policy in Practice.
Martin Lewis is encouraging people to apply or spread the word to family and friends who might qualify.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a benefit designed for state pension-age individuals (currently 66 and over) who have a disability or health condition that requires them to receive regular help or supervision. The money can be spent however the recipient chooses and does not need to be used solely for care.
Who Can Claim?
To qualify for Attendance Allowance, you must:
- Be state pension age (66+)
- Have a physical or mental disability that requires supervision or assistance
- Have needed help for at least six months (unless terminally ill)
- Be in Great Britain and have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years
- Not be receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Amount
Attendance Allowance is paid at two different rates depending on the severity of your needs:
| Rate | Weekly Payment | Annual Total | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate | £72.65 | £3,777.80 | You need frequent help or supervision during the day OR night |
| Higher Rate | £108.55 | £5,644.60 | You need constant help or supervision during both day AND night, or are terminally ill |
Qualifying Health Conditions
Many common health conditions could make you eligible for Attendance Allowance, including:
- Arthritis
- Blindness or severe sight impairment
- Heart disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Asthma and other respiratory conditions
- Dementia or Alzheimer’s
- Mental health conditions requiring supervision
Even if you only qualify for the lower rate, it still adds up to £3,777 per year—money that could make a significant difference.
How to Apply
Applying for Attendance Allowance requires filling out a detailed application form, which you can get by:
- Calling the DWP at 0800 731 0122
- Downloading the form from GOV.UK
What You Need to Include
Since most decisions are made without an in-person assessment, it’s crucial to provide all relevant details, such as:
- National Insurance number
- GP or hospital records
- List of medications and prescriptions
- Details of how your condition affects daily life
Charities like Citizens Advice and Age UK can help you fill out the form and give tips to improve your chances of approval.
Challenging
If your application is denied or you receive a lower rate than expected, you can appeal the decision.
- Call the DWP and request a Mandatory Reconsideration
- Explain why you disagree and provide additional evidence
- If denied again, escalate to a tribunal (charities can help with this process)
Real-Life Success Story
A listener of Martin Lewis’s podcast, Jannete, successfully appealed after her husband with early Parkinson’s was initially rejected for Attendance Allowance.
“I applied for my husband, who waited six weeks and was turned down. I appealed by phone, and within a few days, they spoke to him and awarded the lower rate, backdated to his application in July.”
Since Age UK reports increasing denials, it’s always worth challenging a rejection if you believe you’re eligible. If successful, payments are backdated to your original application date.
Final Thoughts
Attendance Allowance can provide thousands of pounds a year in extra support for pensioners with disabilities or long-term health conditions. With over a million eligible people missing out, it’s essential to check if you qualify or help someone else apply. Martin Lewis and financial experts are urging pensioners to act now—this is money you are entitled to.
For full details and to apply, visit GOV.UK or call the DWP helpline at 0800 731 0122.
FAQs
Who can claim Attendance Allowance?
Anyone over state pension age with a disability needing supervision or help.
How much can I get from Attendance Allowance?
Up to £108.55 per week, totaling £5,644 per year.
Does Attendance Allowance affect my other benefits?
No, and it is not means-tested, so income and savings don’t matter.
How do I apply for Attendance Allowance?
Call 0800 731 0122 or visit GOV.UK to download the application form.
Can I appeal if my claim is denied?
Yes, you can request a Mandatory Reconsideration and provide more evidence.
