Martin Lewis has issued a stark warning that more than a million individuals could be missing out on at least £3,700 extra annually. In the latest edition of the MoneySavingExpert newsletter, the financial expert encouraged readers to verify their eligibility for Attendance Allowance.
This benefit is designed for those who have reached state pension age and need additional help with personal care or supervision due to illness, disability, or mental health issues. Successful claimants could receive weekly payments between £72.65 and £108.55, depending on their care requirements.
These payments are made every four weeks, equating to either £290.60 or £434.20 a month. The money can be used as the recipient deems necessary to support their needs and maintain their independence at home, meaning there’s no obligation to spend the funds on a carer. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
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According to Citizens Advice, Attendance Allowance is not means tested, so it doesn’t matter what other money you get or how much you have in savings. It won’t affect your state pension and you can claim it if you’re still working and earning money.
One person who reached out to Martin Lewis in May revealed that their mother-in-law was receiving £73 a week plus £727 in backdated pay. She also had her Pension Credit reassessed due to severe disability, which increased by £36 a week and £1,010 in backdated payments, reports the Mirror. Altogether, the mother-in-law saw her annual income boosted by £7,956.
How to apply for Attendance Allowance
Martin warned that if applications were submitted online, claims wouldn’t be backdated, potentially causing some to lose out on extra cash. Instead, he recommended calling and requesting an application form, as this allowed claims to be backdated to the day of the request.
You can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122. You will also need to fill in some personal details, including:
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your National Insurance number
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your address and contact details
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details of the health condition or disability that you need extra help for
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details of your GP surgery or medical centre
Once your form is sent off, you should receive a text or letter within three weeks explaining when you can expect a decision on your claim. Once that decision has been made, you will then receive a letter explaining the result of the decision.
Martin also warned that people who already claimed Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) might mess up their benefits as they could not claim Attendance Allowance and these benefits at the same time. Furthermore, PIP and DLA usually provide just as much, if not more than Attendance Allowance so it may not be worth applying.
Martin also highlighted that Attendance Allowance provided access to other forms of help, sometimes worth £1,000. This can include:
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Disabled Person’s Railcard
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Blue Badge for parking
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Council tax discount through severe mental impairment
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Council tax discount if someone you live with cares for you
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Carer’s credit for those who look after you unpaid for 20 to 35 hours a week
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