Financial expert Martin Lewis and his Money Saving Expert team are urging older people across the UK to check their eligibility for a valuable benefit that could provide an extra £3,800 each year. The Attendance Allowance payment is specifically designed for those of state pension age who require assistance with daily living tasks, and crucially, it is not means-tested.
Understanding Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a Department for Work and Pensions benefit available to individuals aged 65 and over who need help or supervision due to mental or physical disabilities or illnesses. The support is intended to cover the additional costs that often accompany health challenges in later life.
Key Eligibility Factors
The benefit focuses on how conditions affect daily living rather than specific diagnoses. Common qualifying circumstances include Parkinson's disease, dementia, terminal illness, blindness, and learning difficulties, though many other conditions may also make someone eligible.
To qualify, applicants must have needed either help or supervision for six consecutive months, even if they haven't actually been receiving that assistance during that period. The definition of help includes assistance with bodily functions like washing, dressing, and eating, while supervision refers to having someone watch over you to prevent danger to yourself or others.
Why Many Are Missing Out
Money Saving Expert estimates that up to one million eligible people may be failing to claim this valuable support. The organisation suggests that misunderstanding about the benefit's rules contributes significantly to this underclaiming.
Importantly, Attendance Allowance is not linked to income or savings, meaning even those with substantial pensions or other resources may still qualify if they meet the daily living assistance criteria. This distinguishes it from many other benefits that include means testing.
Financial Impact for Older People
For many older individuals facing health challenges, daily life becomes not only more difficult but also more expensive. Additional costs can include specialised equipment, home adaptations, care services, and increased energy bills. The £3,800 annual payment (which comes in two rates depending on the level of help required) can make a substantial difference to household budgets.
The MSE team emphasised: "This isn't about specific conditions. It's about the impact of a mental or physical disability or illness on your daily life. Even if you don't think of yourself as disabled, you may still be eligible if you need regular help with basic tasks."
How to Learn More
Those interested in learning more about Attendance Allowance should consult official government resources or reputable advice organisations. Detailed definitions of what constitutes help and supervision are available, and understanding these criteria is essential for determining eligibility.
With many older people potentially missing out on significant financial support, Martin Lewis's intervention highlights an important opportunity for pensioners to improve their financial security while managing health-related challenges.
