Martin Lewis fan says thank you after little-known DWP benefit earns them extra £5,600

A follower of money-saving guru Martin Lewis has found themselves £5,600 richer annually after heeding his guidance. The latest bulletin from MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) has raised the alarm that over a million elderly Britons are failing to claim a little-known benefit known as Attendance Allowance.

According to MSE, it's one of the UK's "most underclaimed" benefits. This particular allowance, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is designed for those above the State Pension age of 66 who require assistance with personal care or supervision due to illness or disability.

In its newsletter, MSE outlined that Attendance Allowance is not based on income or savings but offers a steady sum of either £3,778 or £5,644 per annum to help cover the costs associated with caregiving. The newsletter also pointed out the groups likely to be overlooking this financial support.

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One success story featured in the MSE newsletter involves a woman named Patricia, who learned through the site that her husband qualified for the benefit. As a result of applying, they are now receiving an additional £5,644 each year, reports the Mirror.

Patricia shared her gratitude towards Martin Lewis after learning from him about the scheme called Attendance Allowance. Patricia's husband suffers from inoperable cancer that has metastasised, leading her to become his carer, managing his medication and daily activities.

After Patricia applied and sent letters three weeks ago, she was surprised when she received a larger sum of the benefit money this week. She called DWP to confirm it wasn't an error. They validated that the amount was correct as her husband is battling a terminal disease.

Patricia expressed: "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 Attendance Allowance amounts are based on how your situation impacts you and the quantity of care/support you need for everyday living. This benefit currently has two rates a higher one and a lower one, which stand at £72.65 and £108.55 per week respectively from April. Those diagnosed with a terminal illness automatically qualify for the higher rate.

MSE has clarified: "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 apply for Attendance Allowance

To make a claim for Attendance Allowance, you'll need to fill out and post the application form to the DWP. The form is available for download from the official Gov.uk website here - alternatively, you can ring up the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122 to request one.

When completing the form, it's important to detail how your condition impacts your daily life. You should also include any additional evidence like letters from your doctor, care plans, or lists of medications.

The DWP's website states that after submitting your application, you should receive a text or letter within three weeks which will inform you about the timeframe for a decision. Following the decision, a letter will be sent to you detailing the outcome and indicating when you can expect your first payment.

For individuals with a terminal illness and an expected lifespan of less than 12 months, there is an expedited process, and a decision is typically made within two weeks.