The Money Saving Expert has issued an appeal about the money which is unclaimed by around 1m eligible people
10:32, 26 Dec 2025Updated 10:32, 26 Dec 2025
Martin Lewis has told people they should check if they’re eligible for Attendance Allowance(Image: ITV)
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has issued a fresh plea to pensioners who may qualify, encouraging them to check whether they’re missing out on thousands of pounds each year due to an “underclaimed” state benefit.
Attendance Allowance, designed for those aged 66 and above with disabilities or serious health conditions requiring regular assistance, is managed by the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ). The benefit provides two levels of payment, potentially offering an extra £3,842.80 or £5,644 annually, and crucially, it’s not means-tested.
Significantly, this payment isn’t subject to means-testing, meaning anyone who meets the criteria will receive it irrespective of their income or savings.
In a recent Money Saving Expert newsletter, Mr Lewis explained: “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. That’s why 18 months ago we launched our Attendance Allowance (AA) guide and awareness campaign, and successes have flooded in since. Yet it still remains massively underclaimed, with potentially a million eligible pensioners missing out (source: Policy in Practice).
“So whether it’s you or someone close to you who may qualify, take 2mins to read what the team and I have put below, starting with some inspiration on the domino effect Attendance Allowance can have (in this case for lower-income pensioners).”
He went on to highlight that approximately 1.1 million eligible pensioners are failing to claim the benefit, based on data from Policy in Practice, suggesting a need for increased public awareness.
Mr Lewis advises that it’s definitely worth making an application even if you think you’ll only receive the lower amount, as this still amounts to £3,777.80 per year.
While the DWP states that the benefit is designed to help with care costs, recipients are free to spend it as they choose.
During his podcast, the personal finance guru 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.”
Numerous common health conditions may make individuals eligible for Attendance Allowance, including arthritis, vision problems, heart conditions, Parkinson’s disease, and respiratory difficulties such as asthma.
Two payment tiers are available based on the level of care needed, with the higher rate offering £110.40 weekly and the lower rate giving £73.90. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirms that whilst the benefit is intended to help with care expenses, recipients enjoy complete discretion over how they spend the money.
To be eligible for attendance allowance, you must have reached pension age – currently 66 years old. You can apply for the benefit regardless of state pension payments, savings, or even if you’re still earning a regular salary.
MSE reader Dawn shared her remarkable success: “Dear Martin, after watching numerous shows I have successfully claimed Attendance Allowance for both of my parents worth £10,598/yr and Pension Credit worth £1,233/yr. This opened doorways to Housing Benefit worth £9,207/yr, Council Tax reduction of £1,534/yr, a free TV licence saving £169/yr and swapping their phone to BT saving £420/yr. They also received rebates of £3,449 for Housing Benefit and £604 for Council Tax. All in all, they are better off by more than £20,000/yr thanks to you and obviously me for completing the necessary applications! Thank you for everything you do.”
How to submit your Attendance Allowance application.
Qualification for Attendance Allowance demands applicants have reached state pension age, currently fixed at 66. The benefit can be claimed regardless of whether the individual is receiving state pension payments, possesses savings, or continues working and earning wages.
The application process can be intricate, but support is available from organisations such as Citizens Advice and Age UK. They provide guidance throughout the process and assist with digital submissions.
To qualify, applicants must have a physical or mental health condition, or an illness severe enough to necessitate care for their own safety or that of others, with this need having been present for at least six months.
The lower payment tier requires regular supervision or care during the day or night, while the higher bracket is for those needing 24-hour support or individuals nearing the end of life.
Applicants must be residing in Great Britain when applying and have lived in the country for at least two of the past three years. Decisions are usually made by DWP agents based on the information provided in the form, making it crucial to include all pertinent details, such as national insurance number, NHS number, and prescription and hospital records.
Most applicants will not need to attend a face-to-face assessment, although this remains a possibility.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) states that if it’s unclear how your disability or health condition affects you, a medical professional will carry out an examination. It’s important to note that you cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you’re already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
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