Martin Lewis urges UK households to claim over £5,000 a year from DWP – even if they have money
Martin Lewis urges UK households to claim over £5,000 a year from DWP – even if they have money
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The benefit could unlock up to £5,644 for eligible claimants. Money expert Martin Lewis has urged people to make sure they are claiming thousands of pounds from the DWP which even those not struggling with money may be entitled to. Attendance allowance is a benefit for pensioners who have a disability or health condition severe enough to need someone to regularly help them. The DWP benefit can pay up to £108.55 a week, adding up to an total of £5,644.
![[Martin Lewis says millions of people are missing out...]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/08/15/Martin-Lewis.jpg)
Crucially, the payment is not means-tested, meaning anyone who qualifies will get it regardless of their income or savings. Speaking on his podcast, the personal finance guru said: “If you think you’re entitled to attendance allowance, you should push through.”.
![[You must be at least 66 years old to apply for attendance allowance (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/12/06/13/76bb2732591715c45647a6b8f3c701adY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzAxOTU0NTQy-2.25994514.jpg)
He adds that an estimated 1.1 million eligible pensioners are missing out on the benefit, according to figures from Policy in Practice, meaning that more awareness is needed. “This is for disabled or ill state pensioners,” he says, “it could be you, or it could be someone you know.”.
There are many common health conditions that could qualify a person for attendance allowance. These include arthritis, blindness, heart disease, Parkinson’s and asthma. Attendance allowance is paid at two rates depending on the level of care that is needed. The higher rate is worth £108.55 a week, while the lower is worth £72.65 a week.
Mr Lewis advises that it’s more than worth making an application even if you think you’ll only qualify for the low amount, as this still adds up to £3,777.80 a year. And although the DWP states that the benefit is designed to help with the cost of care, it can be spent however you like.
