Around 3.4million UK residents could be eligible for a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit, yet they aren't claiming it.
Attendance Allowance is a DWP benefit currently given to those over the state pension age if they have certain health conditions or ailments.
The Government stated that the benefit itself is designed to help parties with additional costs which arise through having long-term health conditions - with the likes of arthritis, heart disease and mental health issues all falling under the bracket among others.
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The Express reports that support is paid in at two different rates, one higher than the other dependent on the severity of a person's condition. The higher bracket is worth £92.40 each week, with the lower bracket sitting at £61.85 for those who are eligible.
Overall, qualifying parties could receive an extra maximum of £247.40 or £369.60 each and every month to assist their finances. Over the course of the year, this equates to either £2,968 or £4,428 in boosted income.
To be eligible for the lower rate, a person should be in need of frequent assistance or supervision throughout the day OR supervision at night, while the higher rate requires a need for help or supervision at all times. Those eligible will also need to have required help for at least six months prior to their claim, and will need to demonstrate in order to get it.
However, people don't need a full-time carer to successfully make the claim. The terminally ill are automatically entitled to receive the Attendance Allowance at the higher rate.
Those looking to apply for the benefit can download a claim form through the official Gov.UK website.
According to official figures, some 3.4million people who have reached state pension age are thought to be eligible for the benefit but haven't took the steps to successfully claim it. As the cost of living crisis sinks its teeth further into the UK, any extra cash could be crucial for those on low incomes - and the DWP has urged Britons - in particular, pensioners - to check for entitlements.
Pension Credit is also highlighted as another key benefit which could make the difference - but people still aren't claiming it. This is most likely due to the common misconception that people are unable to claim Pension Credit if they have savings or own their own property.
The credit tops up its recipients' weekly income to a minimum of £182.60 for singletons and £278.70 for couples. Earlier this month, the DWP confirmed that it had implemented additional resources into helping process new claims for Pension Credit - which have been revealed as at an 'all-time high'.
This followed on from a summer campaign which saw the DWP launched to drive uptake of the benefit. A successful claim could act as a 'passport' to other financial assistance for the elderly of the United Kingdom - such as council tax reductions, hosing help, discounted NHS treatment and free TV licenses for over 75s to name a few.
Use the Government’s Pension Credit Calculator to find out if you're eligible. All you need to enter is details of your earnings, benefits and pensions, and your savings and investments additionally.
You will also need to enter the same details for your partner should you have one.
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