Importantly, this payment is not subject to means-testing, meaning anyone who qualifies will receive it regardless of their income or savings.

In a recent Money Saving Expert newsletter, Mr Lewis stated: “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 proceeded to emphasise that roughly 1.1 million eligible pensioners are not claiming the benefit, according to figures from Policy in Practice, indicating a requirement for greater public awareness.

Mr Lewis recommends that it’s absolutely worthwhile submitting an application even if you believe you’ll only receive the smaller amount, as this still totals £3,777.80 annually. Whilst the DWP states that the benefit is intended to assist with care costs, recipients can use it however they wish.

During his podcast, the personal finance expert explained: “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.”

Various common health conditions may qualify individuals for Attendance Allowance, including arthritis, sight problems, heart conditions, Parkinson’s disease, and breathing difficulties such as asthma.

Two payment levels are available depending on the degree of care required, with the higher rate delivering £110.40 weekly and the lower rate providing £73.90.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirms that although the benefit is designed to assist with care costs, recipients have total freedom over how they utilise the funds.

To qualify for attendance allowance, you must have reached pension age – presently 66 years old. You may apply for the benefit irrespective of state pension payments, savings, or even if you’re still receiving a regular wage.

MSE reader Dawn revealed her extraordinary achievement: “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 claim

Eligibility for Attendance Allowance requires applicants to have reached state pension age, presently set at 66. The benefit may be claimed irrespective of whether the person is drawing state pension payments, holds savings, or remains in employment earning wages.

The application paperwork is complex, though assistance is available from bodies like Citizens Advice and Age UK, which offer guidance during the procedure and help with digital submissions. For eligibility, applicants must have a physical ailment, mental health condition, or illness serious enough to require care for their safety or others’, with this need having existed for no less than six months.

The lower payment bracket necessitates regular supervision or care during the day or evening, while the higher tier is for those requiring round-the-clock support or individuals approaching end of life.

Applicants must be living in Great Britain at the time of application and have resided in the country for at least two of the previous three years. Decisions are typically made by DWP agents based on the information supplied in the form, making it essential to include all relevant details, such as a national insurance number, NHS number, prescription and hospital records.

The majority of 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 conduct an examination. It’s important to remember that you cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you’re already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

For more information click here.