Pensioners Can Claim Thousands in Underclaimed Benefit

Pensioners aged 66 and over who require assistance due to a disability or health condition might be eligible for Attendance Allowance, a benefit offering substantial financial support. This allowance, overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), can provide up to £5,644 per year, distributed in two tiers depending on the level of care needed. Crucially, it is not means-tested, ensuring that savings or income do not preclude applicants from receiving it if they meet the criteria.

According to figures cited by money expert Martin Lewis, an estimated one million eligible individuals are not claiming this potentially life-changing benefit. Conditions such as arthritis, sight problems, heart disease, and breathing difficulties are among those that could qualify an applicant. The DWP confirms that while intended to cover care expenses, recipients have the freedom to utilize the funds as they see fit, whether for specific care services or other personal needs.

To be eligible, applicants must have reached the state pension age of 66 and have had care needs for at least six months. They must also have resided in Great Britain for at least two of the past three years. While application forms can be complex, assistance is available from organizations like Citizens Advice and Age UK. Most applicants do not require a face-to-face assessment, with decisions typically made based on the detailed information provided in the application.