1.6M OAPS FAIL TO CLAIM BENEFIT WORTH UP TO £4,500 A YEAR

AROUND 1.6 million pensioners in need of care are failing to claim a benefit that could be worth up to £4,500 a year.

They’re missing out on Attendance Allowance that could be a huge help both to them and family members struggling to look after them, a Mirror investigation discovered.

The benefit of up to £87.65 a week is available for people of state pension age with care needs.

Crucially, it is not means tested and doesn’t affect any other income claimants may have.

Analysis by poverty charity Turn2us shows it seems to be one of the best kept benefit secrets – and it is shocking so many are missing out on what they are due.

The charity found men and women aged 70 to 74 are the most likely to not claim this allowance, with around 542,000 not doing so.

In the age group from 65 to 69, the figure is an estimated 437,000.

David Samson, welfare benefit specialist at Turn2us, said: “Unclaimed benefits are a huge issue in the UK. Whether it is because of an overly complicated system, societal stigma or simply not knowing about them, there are many reasons why people miss out on their benefits.

“But people over 65 are especially likely not to claim.”

One key reason is a total lack of awareness that Attendance Allowance even exists – while others are simply too proud to put in a claim.

But, unlike most other financial help, people can claim it regardless of their income or National Insurance contributions record – and even those self-funding in a care home can get it.

Ex-pensions minister Steve Webb, director of policy at insurance giant Royal London, said: “The cost of care for elderly or disabled people can be huge, so it is vital they claim the help that is theirs by right.

“The application form can be a bit daunting, but if you get help filling it in, it is well worth it.”

There’s no reason why you should miss out on a penny’s worth of cash that could help towards the often extortionate cost of care needed to maintain your quality of life.

We’ve teamed up with Turn2us to offer this guide.

It is money available to people who have reached their state pension age or over and who have care needs. It’s available in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

You could qualify if you need help with activities such as getting dressed, going to the toilet or being looked after so you do not hurt yourself.

And it can include help outside the home.

It does not matter if no one actually gives you this help, as long as you can show you need it.

You can have any type of disability or illness, including sight or hearing impairments, or mental health issues such as dementia or depression.

Attendance Allowance does not cover mobility needs. Your income and savings are not taken into account when assessed if you qualify.

And claiming it won’t reduce any other income you receive. Claiming it could also mean you become entitled

QI’ve inherited a bit of money and want to pay a chunk off my mortgage. A friend said the maximum I can pay is 10% of the outstanding balance. Is that true?

The typical amount mortgage lenders will allow you to overpay your mortgage by without any penalty is 10% each year. Once you have overpaid, lenders usually allow you to either reduce your monthly repayments going forward, or keep them at the same level and reduce your mortgage term.

Ato other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.

To get Attendance Allowance you must usually have had care needs for at least six months.

You must be living in the UK when you make a claim and Britain must be where you normally live.

Also, you must have lived in the UK for six months in the last year.

You cannot claim if you are living in a council care home or are in hospital. There are special rules for people who are terminally ill and expected to die within six months to help

QWe have both been married before and have children from our previous relationships. We’ve been told we need to organise a bloodline will. Can you explain what this is?

A bloodline trust is designed to keep assets in the family, protecting the inheritance of your own children and their descendants. The assets held in the trust can typically be used for education, maintenance, health or support.

AQI’m in my late 50s and I want to access a pension I have so that I them to get the highest rate of the allowance straight away.

In these circumstances you do not need to have had care needs for six months before you make a claim and do not have to have been living in the UK for six months in the last year.

Another person, such as your partner, relative or a friend, can apply for the allowance on your behalf without your knowledge under these special rules.

But the money will be paid to you.

It is vital people claim the help that is theirs by right

There are two rates, and the amount you will get depends on how often you need care.

The lower rate pays £58.70 a week – you get this if you need frequent care throughout the day or night.

The higher rate is £87.65 a week and is paid if you need frequent care throughout the day and night or if you

can afford to give up work. I want to use the money to pay off some debt. I’ve been told I can’t take the pension as a lump sum. Is that right?

ANot all pension contracts allow you flexi-access – it all depends on the type of pension you have. You may be able to transfer the pension into a plan that does allow you to withdraw it as a lump sum. Just be wary of paying too much tax. Only the first 25% is tax-free. I suggest you seek independent financial advice before going any further.