has shared an important tip for older people in the UK who may be missing out on a worth up to £6,000 a year.
, provided by the (), offers financial help for those of age who need assistance with daily living due to physical or mental health conditions.
However, despite 1.6 million people already receiving the benefit, over a million eligible pensioners are still missing out, according to the ’s latest figures.
Speaking on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, Lewis explained how to make sure payments are backdated to the claim date, potentially adding an extra £650 for successful applicants.
He advised older Brits to call the to request an application form by post instead of applying online.
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Martin Lewis advised older Brits to call the DWP to request an application form by post. (Image: ITV)
He said: “The way I would apply for this is to call up and request a form, I would not do it online because if you call them that date is noted and then when your application goes in it will be back paid to the date that you called.”
He continued: “If you do it online then it’s the point that you submit, which is clearly a later point because you got quite a lot of work to do to get it.
“Now there is a case that if you take a long time after calling up – more than six weeks to submit your form – then they don’t have to backpay because you’ve taken too long to do your form and therefore you can’t do it as a retrospective.
“I generally suggest you call rather than go online.”
Lewis also stressed that is not means-tested, meaning eligibility is not affected by income or savings, the reported.
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Attendance Allowance is intended to help with daily living tasks such as dressing, eating or bathing (Image: Getty)
The benefit is paid at two rates: £73 per week (just under £4,000 a year) for those needing help during the day or night, and £109 per week (just under £6,000 a year) for those requiring support both day and night.
is intended to help with daily living tasks such as dressing, eating, bathing, or staying safe.
It is available to those with a wide range of conditions, including mental health issues, sensory impairments, or physical disabilities. Applicants do not need to have a carer to qualify.
To request an form, individuals in England, Scotland, and Wales can call the on 0800 731 0122.
Those in Northern Ireland can contact NI Direct on 0800 587 0912. Phone lines are open during weekdays.
Phone lines are open during daytime hours Monday to Friday. For more information click .