Martin Lewis urges over one million pensioners to check their eligibility for DWP benefit worth nearly £6k

Martin Lewis is urging pensioners to check whether they are entitled to a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit worth up to £5,959.20 a year that remains significantly underclaimed.

Attendance Allowance, which is administered by the DWP, provides financial support to older people with disabilities or long-term health conditions who need regular care or supervision.

The Money Saving Expert founder highlighted that around 1.1 million pensioners who are eligible for the benefit are not claiming it, citing analysis from Policy in Practice.

Attendance Allowance is available to people aged 66 and over who need help because of a physical disability, mental health condition or illness.

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The benefit is not means-tested, meaning income and savings do not affect eligibility.

There are two payment rates depending on the level of care or supervision required.

The higher rate is £114.60 a week, worth up to £5,959.20 a year, and is available to people who need help or supervision during both the day and night, or who are terminally ill.

The lower rate is £76.70 a week, worth up to £3,988.40 annually and is paid to people who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision during the night.

Attendance Allowance can be claimed regardless of whether someone receives the state pension, has savings or is still working, provided they meet the qualifying conditions.

Mr Lewis explained in a Money Saving Expert newsletter: "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.

"Yet it still remains massively underclaimed, with potentially a million eligible pensioners missing out."

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Speaking on his podcast, Mr Lewis encouraged people who believe they may qualify to continue with the application process.

He said: "If you think you're entitled to attendance allowance, you should push through.

"This is for disabled or ill state pensioner. It could be you, or it could be someone you know."

One Money Saving Expert reader, Dawn, said successfully claiming Attendance Allowance for both her parents unlocked more than £20,000 a year in additional support.

She said this included Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax reductions and a free TV licence.

They must also have a physical disability, mental health condition or illness serious enough that they require help or supervision for their wellbeing, with those care needs having existed for at least six months.

A range of conditions may qualify, including arthritis, visual impairments, heart conditions, Parkinson's disease and respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Applicants must normally live in Great Britain and have been present in the country for at least two of the previous three years.

Most people do not need to attend a face-to-face assessment, with decisions usually made using the information provided in the application form.

Organisations including Citizens Advice and Age UK can provide support to people completing an Attendance Allowance application.

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