Martin Lewis' DWP backpay tip could help older Brits net up to £650

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that by the end of May 2024, over 1.6 million elderly individuals were receiving extra financial aid through Attendance Allowance, but a million more older Brits are still missing out The benefit is now worth either £72.65 or £108.55 per week and aims to assist those of State Pension age with additional daily living expenses.

Consumer champion Martin Lewis recently cautioned that over a million pensioners might be missing out on this non-means-tested benefit. He also shared a smart strategy to ensure payments are 'backdated' to the claim date, not when the DWP receives a completed application form - which could net older Brits an extra £650 in financial help.

During an episode of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, he explained that older people making a new claim online will only receive payments from the date it was submitted. However, successful applicants who phone the DWP and request an application form by post will receive Attendance Allowance payments from that date.

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The personal finance expert explained that application forms requested via phone need to be filled out and returned to the DWP within six weeks, or back payments may not be issued, reports the Daily Record.

Martin Lewis gave the heads-up to ITV viewers about the benefits of Attendance Allowance, highlighting that it's not means-tested. He explained: "Attendance Allowance is not means tested they (DWP) do not look at your means or how much money you've got - you are entitled to it or you're not entitled to it regardless of finances. It is for those who need help with daily living who have mental or physical health