MARTIN Lewis has issued a warning to 1.1million people across the UK who are missing out on a little-known benefit.
The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) is warning that pensioners are missing out on attendance allowance (AA), which is paid out if they need someone to help look after them.
Writing in this week’s MSE newsletter, the consumer champion said: “Last year, we launched our Attendance Allowance guide and awareness campaign – this crucial state support remains unclaimed by an estimated 1.1million people according to the calculations that analytics company Policy In Practice did for us.
“Since then, I’m stoked to say the successes have flooded in (as well as a few frustrating failures from some who’ve been turned down too).”
Martin then explained why AA could be the boost needed because it isn’t means-tested – it’s for state pensioners who need some daily living help.
He added: “With AA, your finances are irrelevant. To get it, you must be of state pension age (currently at least 66).
“There’s no specific conditions list. It can be a mental or physical disability/illness – what counts is its impact on you.”
The benefit is one of the most underclaimed benefits, with as many as 1.1million missing out on up to £5.2billion a year, according to estimates from MoneySavingExpert and Policy in Practice.
There are two rates depending on the level of help you’re considered to need.
The lower rate is worth £3,778 a year, and you’ll get this if you need help or supervision during either the day or the night.
The higher rate is worth £5,644 a year and you’ll get this if you need help or supervision during both the day and the night, or if a medical professional has said you have 12 months or less to live.
Martin also warned: “Beware if you get Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance. Both PIP and DLA are usually worth at least as much as, and often more than, AA and you can’t get both.
“If you’re not sure, get free benefits adviser help before doing owt if you’re on these.”
Attendance allowance helps with extra costs if you have a severe disability that requires someone to help look after you.
It’s paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.
You can get attendance allowance as long as you’ve reached state pension age (66) and the following applies:
There are 56 categories of medical conditions you can claim, including heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes.
You are also entitled if a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live.
The lower rate is worth £72.65 a week, while the higher rate is £108.55 a week.
If you receive the lower rate, you are entitled to frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.
At a higher rate, you will get help or supervision throughout the day and night.
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.
You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
To apply, you must download the attendance allowance form by visiting www.gov.uk/government/publications/attendance-allowance-claim-form.
Once completed, you should send this to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance.
If you cannot print the form yourself, you can call the attendance allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 and ask for a copy to be sent to you.
However, Martin did point out that “how you apply matters”.
He said: “If you apply online, claims aren’t backdated. Yet if you call up and request an application form, claims are backdated to the day of that request, so best to do that.
“When applying, do have your national insurance number, GP prescriptions and hospital records handy, and fill in the form with as much detail as possible.”
Martin also added that applying can be tricky, but there are people you can call for help such as charities like Turn2Us and Stepchange.
The decision usually takes eight weeks and very few need to attend an assessment.
If you’re awarded attendance allowance, it can be paid from the start of your claim. It cannot be backdated.
If you print and post the form, your claim will start on the date the DWP receives it.
If you call the helpline to request a form, your claim will start on the date of your call (if you return the form within six weeks).
After you’ve applied, you’ll get a text or letter within three weeks that explains how long it’ll take to get a decision.
Once the decision has been made, you’ll get a letter explaining the outcome.
If you’ve been awarded attendance allowance, this will tell you when you’ll get your first payment.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
