**Martin Lewis Calls on Pensioners to Check for Underclaimed £3,800 Annual DWP Benefit**
Money-saving guru Martin Lewis has sounded the alarm for pensioners, urging those aged 66 and over to investigate whether they might be missing out on a significant state benefit, Attendance Allowance, which is reportedly underclaimed by around one million eligible people across the UK.
Attendance Allowance, a financial support scheme overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is specifically designed for individuals over the state pension age who live with disabilities or serious health issues that require regular support. Crucially, the benefit is not means-tested—which means income and savings have no impact on eligibility—making it potentially available to a broad range of pensioners regardless of their financial circumstances.
The benefit is offered at two rates. Pensioners who qualify can receive either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, amounting to as much as £5,644 per year at the higher rate or £3,842.80 annually at the standard rate. The amount received depends on the level of support required, with those needing more intensive, round-the-clock assistance accessing the higher figure.
In the latest instalment of his Money Saving Expert newsletter, Lewis addressed the persistent issue of underclaiming: “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.” He went on to highlight the complex claim process, noting, “People’s conditions can make it more difficult to spend the time and energy needed to research possible help. That’s why we launched our Attendance Allowance guide and awareness campaign.” According to figures from Policy in Practice, around 1.1 million pensioners could be missing out on this essential support.
Many common health problems, including arthritis, heart conditions, vision and hearing impairments, respiratory conditions like asthma, and progressive diseases such as Parkinson’s, may make a person eligible. Importantly, the support is designed to help with care-related expenses, but recipients are not restricted in how the money is spent.
Public commentary on the scheme’s impact highlights life-changing outcomes. Reader Dawn, responding to the Money Saving Expert campaign, shared how applying on behalf of her parents yielded not just the Attendance Allowance entitlement but also triggered additional benefits including Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, a council tax reduction, a free TV licence, and rebates on past payments—altogether improving their financial situation by over £20,000 a year.
To claim the Attendance Allowance, applicants must have reached state pension age and have needed help with personal care or supervision for at least six months. While the benefit can be claimed regardless of whether the individual is drawing their pension, has savings, or is employed part-time, the process involves completing detailed paperwork. Organisations such as Citizens Advice and Age UK can assist with applications and provide guidance for digital submissions.
Statutory residency requirements state that claimants must reside in Great Britain and have lived in the UK for at least two of the previous three years at the time of application. Decisions are based largely on application documentation, with in-person assessments only occurring if further information is needed about how a personal health condition affects daily life.
It is important to note that Attendance Allowance cannot be claimed concurrently with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), as these benefits similarly cover the costs of disability and care.
Amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, Lewis’s campaign underscores the pressing need for improved awareness around available state benefits and the necessity for support systems that do not hinge on means testing. As more pensioners learn about their potential entitlement, advocates hope underclaiming will decline, leading to greater financial security for some of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
For further details on how to claim Attendance Allowance, the DWP’s dedicated pages and charitable organisations stand ready to offer information and practical help. As Martin Lewis continues his push for awareness, pensioners and their families are encouraged to review their eligibility and take advantage of the state support to which they are entitled.