18 April 2024 , 10:05
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One Martin Lewis fan shared how they are £5,600 a year better off after following his advice.
The latest MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) newsletter warned that over one million old Brits were missing out on a benefit called Attendance Allowance - the MSE site claims that it is one of the most "most underclaimed" benefits in the UK. Attendance Allowance is a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit given to those over the State Pension age - which is currently 66 - who need help with day-to-day personal care or supervision due to their illness or disability.
The MSE newsletter explained how Attendance Allowance was a non-means tested benefit which can give a fixed payout of either £3,778 a year or £5,644 a year to cover the cost of providing help. The newsletter also highlighted who could be missing out.
The MSE newsletter highlighted a Martin Lewis fan called Patricia who discovered that her husband was eligible for the help and is now £5,644 a year better off after applying. Patricia shared that her husband had inoperable cancer which had spread. Due to this, she took on a carer roll and helps him each day with his medication and daily tasks.
After hearing about Attendance Allowance from Martin Lewis, she made applications and sent off letters three weeks ago and just this week received the higher rate of the benefit into her bank account. She rang the DWP to check is wasn't a mistake, but they confirmed it was correct as her husband had a terminal disease.
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Patricia said: "Dear Martin, thank you for telling us about the Attendance Allowance. My husband has inoperable cancer, which has spread. I help him with medications and with daily tasks. I sent off all the letters three weeks ago, yesterday we received three weeks' higher rate - £5,644 a year - into our bank account. I rang the DWP helpline to see if it was an error, but they said it was correct as he has terminal cancer. The extra £100 a week makes a huge difference to make life easier for him!"
The amount of Attendance Allowance you receive is dependent on how your condition affects you and the amount of care/support you need to manage day-to-day life. Currently, the benefit is paid in two rates, a higher rate and a lower one. From April this sits at £72.65 and £108.55 per week. If you have a terminal illness you automatically qualify for the higher rate.
MSE also explained: "Those who've needed help over six months, day or night, with daily living (such as washing and eating) or supervision, someone to watch you if you're a danger to yourself or others. It's common for those with Parkinson's, dementia, terminal illness, blindness, learning difficulties and more."
How to claim Attendance Allowance
To claim Attendance Allowance, you will need to print off and send off the claim form to the DWP. You can download the claim form directly from the Gov.uk website here - you can call the Attendance Allowance helpline to request a claim form at 0800 731 0122. When filling out the form, you'll need to explain how your illness or disability affects your life. Alongside the form, you will need to provide supporting information, such as GP letters, your care plans, or prescription lists.
ccording to the DWP website, after you’ve applied, you’ll get a text or letter within three weeks that explains how long it’ll take to get a decision. Once the decision has been made, you’ll get a letter explaining the outcome and when you will get your first payment. If you are terminally ill and not expected to live more than 12 months there is a quicker application process and you should receive a decision within two weeks.