State pension age? Martin Lewis explains how millions may be missing out on £4,500 a year
STATE PENSION age is the age at which an eligible person can claim the state pension, and those who have reached this age may be able to get a cash payment which is worth up to £4,5000 per year, as Martin Lewis explained on Good Morning Britain yesterday.
Martin Lewis reveals who is eligible for Attendance Allowance
Martin Lewis, the founder of Money Saving Expert, explained that millions of over 65s could be missing out on claiming Attendance Allowance during yesterday's episode of Good Morning Britain. The payment can be claimed by some people in order to help them pay for care, however the recipient must have reached state pension age.
According to charity Turn2us, 6.4million people in the UK are eligible for Attendance Allowance, however only three million claim the payment - suggesting 3.4million are missing out.
This is a cash benefit which is worth up to £4,500 a year, the founder of Money Saving Expert has explained.
"This is quite an important one," Mr Lewis told ITV viewers yesterday.
The Money Saving Expert has explained: “The allowance is either £58.70/week - for those who require care during the day or night or £87.65/week - for those who require care during the day and night, or are terminally ill.
“In England, Scotland or Wales, to claim you’ll need to fill in this Attendance Allowance Form from the Gov site detailing your illness, if you’re getting any care, any medication you’re on and any specialists you’ve seen or call the helpline on 0800 731 0122.
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This is a cash benefit worth up to £4,500 a year
“If you’re in Northern Ireland you’ll need to fill this form from the NI Gov website or call 0800 587 0912.
“If the assessors can't get a clear picture of how your illnesses or disabilities affect you, they may ask a healthcare professional to examine you. You will be contacted if this is the case.”
Who can get Attendance Allowance?
During his segment on Good Morning Britain, Mr Lewis detailed the eligibility criteria.
“You have to have reached state pension age to be eligible for it, and you need to need assistance with care," he said.
"It could be due to a mental or physical disability or someone who has a terminal illness.
"We’re talking about, you can’t quite care for yourself.
"You might need help dressing or going to the toilet. If all of those qualify, even if you’re not getting the help, if you need the help dressing or going to the toilet, then you’re likely eligible for Attendance Allowance if you’ve needed the help for six consecutive months.
“This is not means-tested. This is an absolute need requirement."
Will Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
Mr Lewis said: “Typically, claiming Attendance Allowance won't reduce any other benefits you receive, but it’s best to check first.
“And if you need help in making a claim or deciding what benefits you're entitled to, you can contact your local Age UK or Citizens Advice office.
“If successful, your allowance will be backdated to the date your completed form was received or the date you called the helpline.
“Plus if you get it you could also be eligible for pension credit, housing benefit or a council tax reduction which could mean extra cash back to you.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV from 6am.