1.6 million elderly people get Attendance Allowance as it stands, but there are plenty more who could claim it.

The finance expert explained how to ensure ‘backdated’ payments that start accruing from the original date of claim and not when the DWP officially processes the paper-toting application.

Mr Lewis said: “Call for the form because then they (DWP) send you a form and you apply but you get paid from the date you called up for the form.

Do you pay energy by monthly Direct Debit? If so this is the perfect time to check if you’re due £100s credit back.

Far more info on this, and lots more in the new Martin Lewis podcast just out on https://t.co/8awS8AlebX BBC Sounds, Apple, Spotify & all the usual pod players. pic.twitter.com/31J3YEKEeb

— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) May 8, 2026

“If you download the form off GOV.UK and your claim is successful, you get paid on the day you sent it back to them and there could be at least eight weeks difference in that, so call for the form.”

He recommended that anyone seeking further advice on making a claim or requiring assistance with the application form should get in touch with Age UK at 0800 678 1602, which operates daily from 8am to 7pm.

He went on: “Fill in the form with as much detail as possible. Age UK is brilliant on this, they’ve got a brilliant helpline that will probably be swamped but it’s open during the days, but they’re really professional at helping you fill out the form so those who are entitled get the money and don’t fall foul for some strange reason.”

Recommended reading:

Lloyds beats forecasts with 46% leap in profits after interest rates boost

DWP issues Universal Credit warning for 184,000 Brits

DWP Pension Credit warning as thousands miss out on £3,900

Money Saving Expert explained: “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.

“If you’re aged 66+ and need help with daily living due to illness or disability, check if you’re due £5,645 a year…”

Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested weekly payment to help cover the costs of pensioners (aged 66+) who need someone to ‘attend’ them.

He was the driver of the only vehicle involved in the collision

A man in his 20s has died following a motorbike crash in Co Wexford on Friday, Gardai said.

He was the driver of the only vehicle involved in the collision on the L4016 near Glenour, in Adamstown.

In a statement, An Garda Siochana said it happened at about 9.20pm on May 8 and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

His body was taken to University Hospital Waterford where a post-mortem examination will take place.

The road is closed for forensic examinations and local diversions are in place.

Issuing an appeal for information, an Garda Síochána spokesperson said: “Any road users who were traveling on the L4016 between 9:00pm and 9:30pm on Friday 8th May 2026 are asked to make contact with investigating Gardaí. Anyone with camera footage (including mobile phone or dash-cam) is asked to make that footage available.”

They added: “Anyone with any information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on (051) 426030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”

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Four other energy-related sites have been approved in the surrounding area

A new solar farm could be built next to a major Cambridgeshire A-road. AGR Renewables has submitted an EIA screening request to East Cambridgeshire District Council to build the solar development.

The farm is proposed on land south of the A10 Cambridge Road in Stretham. If approved, the solar panels will be installed for a temporary period of 40 years.

After this, the panels will be decommissioned and the land will return to agricultural use. The solar farm, which would be set over 43 hectares, is projected to export up to 100 megawatts of electricity.

Other solar farms and energy-producing sites in the surrounding area have been previously approved. This includes one on land south west of Stow Bridge Farm in Newmarket Road in 2012, another in Green End in 2014, followed by another two in 2016 and 2023.

The applicant said it was “clear” that the surrounding area has been subject to a “number of energy related planning applications”. As well as the panels, the plans also seek to add security fencing, CCTV, storage buildings, a battery energy storage system, access tracks and more.

Existing hedgerow and plants that are already on site are set to be retained in the proposals. The site falls mainly on flood zone 1 land, meaning it is unlikely to flood.

However, there are “very small areas” that are flood zones two and three. The applicants do not believe the site would produce any harmful emissions or noise pollution.

It’s not also expected to “generate significant waste during construction or operation”.

Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi is expected to be available for the Champions League final against Arsenal.

The Morocco international has been sidelined with a thigh injury he suffered in the first leg of the semi-final showdown with Bayern Munich.

The right-back, who has regularly captained the side with Marquinhos’ minutes managed in the league, missed the second leg in Munich last week as Luis Enrique’s side turned in a masterclass performance away from home to reach a second consecutive final.

Hakimi was expected to miss the rest of the season with doubts even emerging over his partitcpation in this summer’s World Cup campaign.

But according to RMC Sport, the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan star is recovering well and is expected to ready for the final in Budapest on 30 May.

PSG are also likely to be boosted by the availability of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. An injury suffered in training last week also raised fears his season could be over but the report states he too hopes to be available for the showdown with the Gunners.

Chevalier was signed from Lille last summer to be the new no1 with Gianluigi Donnarumma leaving the French capital to join Manchester City.

Matvei Safaonov however has been starting ahead of hm since January, overtaking him in the pecking order.

Should Hakimi recover in time and avoid any more injury scares, PSG will have a fully fit squad to choose from when they meet Mikel Arteta’s side at the Puskas Arena.

Arsenal have concerns at right-back themselves over Jurrien Timber.

Timber has not played since mid-March, missing the last 11 games due to a groin problem. There has been no clear timeframe on when the Dutchman could return to action with Arteta confirming on Friday there is ‘no chance’ he will be involved against West Ham United on Sunday, today.

Rather more worryingly, he raised doubts about whether Timber would be seen again before the end of the season.

‘I don’t know, there is still a fair bit to do,’ he said. ‘Everything needs to be so smooth and quick.’

MORE: Arsenal told they can sign ‘perfect’ Kylian Mbappe on one condition this summer

MORE: Theo Walcott urges Arsenal star to reject England call-up for the World Cup

MORE: ‘Sensational’ – Mikel Arteta urged to start Arsenal duo against West Ham

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The US president is going after his fellow Republicans in Kentucky and Indiana.
Donald Trump is getting involved in key state primaries – often in cases where US presidents don’t intervene – urging voters to stay away and not vote for candidates who Trump regards as his political enemies. From Indiana to Kentucky, Louisiana and beyond, Anthony and Justin look at how Trump’s MAGA Republican party is targeting fellow Republicans and whether it’s succeeding.
Trump’s top target is the seven term Republican congressman in Kentucky, Thomas Massie who has stood up to Trump on issues including the Epstein files, congressional spending and the war in Iran. Massie now faces a challenge from a multi million dollar funded Trump backed candidate… we look at Massie’s chances, and what this race tells us more widely about what happens to Republicans who stand up to Trump.
We also look at Louisiana and Indiana, where Trump has recently wiped out state senators he regarded as disloyal.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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This episode was made by Purvee Pattni, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Stephen Bailey. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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Known for “boshing” – a term the England forwards like to use for swatting aside defenders – Muir smiled when discussing the skill.

However, to “bosh” is what she reckons the correct terminology is.

“It is running into someone and boshing them, or tackling them and boshing them,” Muir says.

Quietly spoken and humble off the field, the former Wasps front row is a powerful athlete on it, who enjoys physical confrontation.

Given she is “too aggressive” for a return to cricket, what she does hope to do one day is have a pottery room at the back of her house, complete with a wheel and kiln – a type of oven used for hardening and drying pottery.

Leading from the front is also done on the team bus, with ‘Maud’s Tours’ now part of the team’s itinerary.

“It started last Six Nations in York. I am at the front of the bus as my little mate Lucy Packer gets travel sick,” she explained.

“I am always at the front and the mic is always there. I started with the tour of York and it has stuck since. I do forget every week that I am doing it.

“It is last minute, trying to get as many facts as I can. True or false. They could be false as Meg Jones likes to send me some stuff.”

The next destination is Parma – yet to be researched by Muir – where Italy host the world champions on Saturday.

England sit top of the Six Nations table with three bonus-point wins over Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The 84-7 victory over Scotland was an ideal way to celebrate Muir’s 50th cap, where her father wore a kilt and an England top – another picture for her scrapbook.

“It was such a special occasion. Being at Murrayfield in Scotland made it so special for my family, especially my dad,” Muir said.

“I have photograph evidence. He is in my scrapbook.

“He had the best of both worlds. He is 77% Scottish.”

Before Saturday’s game, which will likely set up a fifth straight Grand Slam decider against France, Muir is planning to head to a local pottery centre to make a bowl for ramen.

Bowling Italian defenders out of her way will likely follow.

The Hendon Grange Hotel in Grangetown, Sunderland, has been operated successfully by the current owners for 31 years, who now wish to sell due to retirement.

It is noted to have provided a fantastic service to the local community and residents of the surrounding area, with many people visiting the pub to watch the football on match days.

(Image: Sidney Phillips Northern)

A property listing notes that the pub has been run as a “lifestyle business,” but has significant potential for further development, where a new owner could expand its opening hours and add a food offering and/or letting rooms, subject to necessary planning permissions.

The Hendon Grange Hotel is currently closed and has no trading information available.

The building spans three floors and features a main bar area with bench seating, a pool table, darts, and a wood-panelled bar – there is also a smaller seating area with additional darts facilities.

(Image: Sidney Phillips Northern)

On the first floor, a function room with its own bar can hold about 120 people and is equipped with a stage, which has been used for weddings and other events in the past.

The basement contains a chilled beer cellar and dry storage.

Private accommodation is included at the rear of the building, spread across three floors.

It offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room, kitchen, and a private courtyard.

External features include an old stable block and storage area with conversion potential.

The property also includes a full premises licence and is connected to all mains services.

Its current rateable value is listed as £2,200 as of April 2026.

An electronic advertisement on the gable end of the property currently generates an additional £4,000 per year.

Prospective buyers are advised to conduct their own assessments regarding future trading potential and profitability.