Martin Lewis tip hands daughter £8,000 for her elderly dad

Money Saving Expert reader Adele wrote into MSE and explained how the BBC Sounds and ITV star helped her dad claim an eye-watering sum.

A woman has said a Martin Lewis tip has handed her elderly dad an eye-watering £8,000. Money Saving Expert reader Adele wrote into MSE and explained how the BBC Sounds and ITV star helped her dad claim an eye-watering sum.

Adelestarted with claiming Attendance Allowance (AA) for her dad which added £72 a week to her dad's income, before going on to claim Pension Credit. "Now he has AA, he's also eligible for a further £35/wk Pension Credit, and his Housing Benefit has been increased by £40/wk," she said.

Attendance Allowance is one of the most underclaimed benefits, with as many as 1.1 million missing out on up to £5.2 BILLION a year, according to estimates from MoneySavingExpert and Policy in Practice. Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested weekly payment to help cover costs of pensioners (aged 66+) who need someone to 'attend' them.

READ MORE NS&I urges customers to fill out crucial document or risk losing Premium Bonds

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.

"So a total extra £150/wk - a huge help, and he will still be eligible for Winter Fuel Allowance, so will receive annually almost £8,000 extra. It will change his life and I'm really grateful to you." A second MSE reader wrote: ""Hi, my mum is widowed and in her 80s. Her state pension is just below the single person level, but as she had some savings we didn't think she'd get Pension Credit.

"After reading your recommendation, she made an application but didn't hold out much hope. Surprisingly, she was successful and will get Savings Credit, and a 3mth back payment. Now she will be eligible for Winter Fuel Allowance and an over-75s' free TV licence too.

"All thanks to you Martin, and all the advertising to apply even though you may think you're not eligible. I would recommend everybody try.""