Martin Lewis has issued a fresh appeal urging millions of pensioners to look into a "massively underclaimed" Government benefit that could provide up to £5,644 annually.
According to figures from Policy in Practice, approximately 1.1 million qualifying pensioners are missing out on the financial support.
In his latest Money Saving Expert newsletter, Lewis wrote: "For many older people who are ill or start to face mental or physical disability, life doesn't just get tougher, it gets costlier too. Add to that the fact people's conditions can make it more difficult to spend the time and energy needed to research possible help.
"So whether it's you or someone close to you who may qualify, take 2mins to read what the team and I have put below, starting with some inspiration on the domino effect Attendance Allowance can have (in this case for lower-income pensioners)."
Attendance Allowance is available to pensioners aged 66 and over who have a disability or health condition severe enough to require regular help.
The benefit is not means-tested, meaning eligibility does not depend on income or savings.
GETTY / MARTIN LEWIS X ACCOUNT | Attendance Allowance is available to pensioners aged 66 and over
The Department for Work and Pensions administers two payment rates. The standard rate provides £73.90 weekly, totalling £3,842.80 annually, for those needing help during either day or night.
The higher rate offers £110.40 weekly, amounting to £5,644 yearly, for individuals requiring assistance during both day and night or those who are terminally ill.
Qualifying conditions include arthritis, visual impairment, cardiac conditions, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and respiratory issues such as asthma.
Applicants must have needed help for at least six consecutive months, even if they never actually received assistance.
The DWP allows claimants complete discretion over how they spend the funds, though the benefit aims to help cover care expenses.
One reader's experience demonstrates the transformative impact of claiming Attendance Allowance. Dawn shared her remarkable success story in an email to Lewis last month.
"Dear Martin, after watching numerous shows I have successfully claimed Attendance Allowance for both of my parents worth £10,598/yr and Pension Credit worth £1,233/yr," she wrote.
The successful claim triggered access to multiple additional benefits. Dawn continued: "This opened doorways to Housing Benefit worth £9,207/yr, Council Tax reduction of £1,534/yr, a free TV licence saving £169/yr and swapping their phone to BT saving £420/yr."
GETTY | The DWP allows claimants complete discretion over how they spend the funds,
Her parents also received backdated payments, including £3,449 for Housing Benefit and £604 for Council Tax.
"All in all, they are better off by more than £20,000/yr thanks to you and obviously me for completing the necessary applications!" Dawn concluded.
Around 18 months ago, Lewis and his team launched their Attendance Allowance (AA) guide and awareness campaign, and successes have flooded in since, he states.
However he warns "it is still remains massively underclaimed, with potentially a million eligible pensioners missing out."
GETTY | Applications can be made directly by the person in need
Applications can be made directly by the person in need or by someone acting on their behalf with consent or Power of Attorney. While forms can be completed online, requesting a paper form by phone ensures the claim is backdated to the date of request rather than submission.
The application paperwork is complicated, though free guidance is available from organisations including Citizens Advice, Age UK and Independent Age.
Most applicants won't need an in-person assessment, though the DWP may arrange a medical examination if unclear how the condition affects daily life.
Successful claims often unlock additional support such as Disabled Person's Railcard, Blue Badge parking, and extra Pension Credit or Universal Credit. Carers may also benefit through Carer's Allowance or Carer's Credit depending on their circumstances.
Attendance Allowance cannot be claimed alongside Personal Independence Payment, Adult Disability Payment, or Disability Living Allowance.