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State pensioners could be missing out on a benefit worth up to £110.40 a week. Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) Attendance Allowance is currently being paid to those over state pension age who need help with everyday tasks due to illness or disability. AA is currently being claimed by 1.9 million people across Britain. But data shows a further 1.1 million eligible pensioners are not claiming – meaning billions of pounds in support is going unclaimed each year. The tax-free benefit is not means-tested, so savings and income do not affect eligibility. Many pensioners wrongly believe it is only for those who have a full-time carer, but in fact it can be claimed even if no outside help is currently provided. READ MORE Drivers face new monitoring device in cars under UK pay-per-mile tax You can get it if you have a long-term health condition that means you need help with daily tasks. This includes sensory disabilities (such as blindness), or learning difficulties. You must have needed help or supervision for at least six consecutive months, or have been told by a medical professional that you have 12 months or less to live. There are two rates depending on the level of help you're considered to need. The lower rate is £73.90 a week (£3,842 a year). You'll get this if you need help or supervision during EITHER the day OR the night. The higher rate is £110.40 a week (£5,740 a year). You'll get this if you need help or supervision during both the day AND the night, or if a medical professional has said you have 12 months or less to live. One Money Saving Expert saver wrote into BBC and ITV star Martin Lewis' team and said: "My father has dementia and is now needing more support due to severe mental impairment. I applied for a council tax reduction as he's in receipt of Attendance Allowance. "The council phoned me back the next working day and, in less than a fortnight, the council tax was stopped and he was refunded £2,600."
