Martin Lewis warns 1.1million people are missing out on extra £102 a week

21 February 2024 , 09:15

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Martin Lewis has explained who is eligible for Attendance Allowance (Image: ITV)

Martin Lewis has warned how 1.1million people are missing out on claiming an extra £101.75 each week through Attendance Allowance.

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over state pension age who need extra help because of an illness or disability. There are two different rates that can be paid. The lower rate is worth £68.10 a week and is awarded to those who need help during the day or at night. The higher rate is worth £101.75 and is given to people who need help during the day and at night, or who are terminally ill.

Speaking during the series finale of the Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV last night, Martin urged anyone who may be eligible to put in a claim as soon as possible. He explained "the sooner you get on with it the sooner you get paid" and if you phone up, you'll be able to backdate your claim to the date of the call.

Martin said: "There's possibly £3,500 for disabled or ill state pensioners. So up to 1.1million of them are missing out on Attendance Allowance. This helps cover costs of those who need assistance, even if you're not getting assistance."

Attendance Allowance is awarded based on the help you should be getting - so you don't need to have a carer or someone already looking after you. For example, you may need help with getting dressed, eating or drinking, or going to the toilet.

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You could also be eligible if everyday tasks take you a long time, or cause you pain or discomfort, or if you have a physical or mental disability. You'll need to provide evidence that you could've benefitted from this help for at least six months, or have been told that you have 12 months or less to live.

Your savings and income are not taken into account when you apply for Attendance Allowance, as this is not a means-tested benefit. However, some people are asked to attend an assessment before being awarded Attendance Allowance.

You can call the Attendance Allowance helpline to request a claim form through the following numbers:

• Telephone: 0800 731 0122
• Textphone: 0800 731 0317

• Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0122

• British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service

Levi Winchester