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  "path": "/money/dwp-benefit-underclaimed-pensioners-missing-out",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-19T12:43:10.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Pensions crisis deepens as millions not saving enough for retirement",
    "State pension proposal could scrap triple lock and save UK £19billion a year",
    "HMRC confirms state pensioners earning over £35,000 face clawback through higher tax bills",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nMore than one million pensioners living with long-term health conditions or disabilities could be missing out on a benefit worth up to £458.40 every month.\n\nAccording to estimates from MoneySavingExpert and Policy in Practice, around 1.1 million people above state pension age are not claiming Attendance Allowance despite being eligible.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe organisations estimate that around £5.2billion in support goes unclaimed every year.\n\nMoneySavingExpert, founded by Martin Lewis, described Attendance Allowance as one of the most under-claimed benefits available.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe consumer website said the support remains \"still massively under-claimed\" despite publishing a detailed guide to the benefit two years prior.\n\nMore than 1.7 million people across Great Britain currently receive Attendance Allowance, which can add up to £5,959 a year for successful claimants.\n\nAttendance Allowance is designed to help older people meet additional costs linked to physical or mental illnesses and disabilities that make daily living more difficult.\n\nThe benefit is paid at two different rates depending on the level of support required.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nPeople needing help either during the day or at night can receive £76.70 a week.\n\nThose requiring support both day and night, or people who are terminally ill, may qualify for the higher weekly rate of £114.60.\n\nBecause the payments are made every four weeks, claimants receive either £306.80 or £458.40 per payment period.\n\nAttendance Allowance is tax-free and is not means-tested, meaning savings and income do not affect eligibility.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Pensions crisis deepens as millions not saving enough for retirement\n  * State pension proposal could scrap triple lock and save UK £19billion a year\n  * HMRC confirms state pensioners earning over £35,000 face clawback through higher tax bills\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nRecipients can spend the money however they choose, including on transport costs, household bills or support around the home such as cleaners or gardeners.\n\nPeople who need supervision or support during the day or night are encouraged to consider applying even if they are not currently receiving formal care.\n\nThis includes those who struggle with daily personal care tasks such as getting dressed, washing, eating or using the toilet.\n\nPeople who require help staying safe or who find everyday activities painful, time-consuming or physically difficult may also qualify.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe benefit is not restricted to physical conditions alone.\n\nThose with mental health conditions, learning difficulties or sensory impairments, including deafness or visual impairment may also be eligible if they need regular support.\n\nEligibility is based on the level of help a person needs rather than the care they currently receive.\n\nClaimants can still qualify even if they have substantial savings or remain in employment.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAttendance Allowance also does not affect state pension payments.\n\nReceiving the benefit could increase entitlement to other forms of support including Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax reductions.\n\nThe application process involves completing a lengthy form, although assistance is available through local Citizens Advice services.\n\nPeople approaching state pension age may also wish to consider claiming Personal Independence Payment before reaching pension age as it could provide higher levels of support in some cases.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "DWP warning as over a million pensioners miss out on benefit worth up to £458 every month"
}