According to the most recent Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates, over 1.5 million people in Great Britain received additional financial support through Attendance Allowance at the end of August last year.
The report also showed that approximately 136,200 persons in Scotland are currently getting either £72.65 or £108.55 per week from the benefit.
The Importance of Reporting Changes in Attendance Allowance Circumstances
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit provided by the DWP to assist older people with daily living expenses, potentially allowing them to remain independent in their own homes for longer periods of time.
However, for some persons, whose condition has worsened or they have developed other health difficulties since their award began, it may be required to contact the DWP to notify a change of circumstances.
This is something that should not be put off, as reporting any modification in your circumstances may result in greater payments for those paying the regular rate.
It is crucial to note that DWP guidelines notes that if your conditions change, the sum that you get from Attendance Allowance may increase or decrease.
If you are now on the lower rate of £72.65 per week, your payments might rise by £35.90 to £108.55. This would result in a four-weekly payment rise from £290.60 to £434.20, or £143.60 each pay period.
If you are claiming Attendance Allowance, the guideline outlines various reasons why you should inform them about a change in your circumstances.
This includes:
- Any changes in your condition or the level of assistance required, such as alterations in the frequency of help needed daily.
- Admission to a hospital or care facility, including providing details like address, duration of stay, and payment arrangements.
- A medical professional indicates a life expectancy of 12 months or less.
- Absence from the country for a period exceeding 4 weeks.
- Incarceration.
- Alterations to personal information like name, address, or banking details.
- Decision to cease benefit receipt.
- Changes in your physician's contact information.
- Changes in immigration status for non-British citizens.
Reporting a Change If You Need Additional Help
If you believe you require further assistance due to a disability or sickness, you should call the DWP and report the change. This could be additional aid or supervision during the day or at night, even if you are not currently receiving it.
This may include:
- Help with your personal care, such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and going to the bathroom.
- Help to keep safe.
You may also consider reporting a change if you encounter more difficulties accomplishing personal duties, for example if they take you a long time, you are in discomfort, or you need physical aid, such as a chair to lean on.
Nevertheless, it is good to remember that Attendance Allowance is not limited to persons with physical disabilities or illnesses.
If you want additional assistance or supervision at any time of day or night and have:
- A mental health condition.
- Learning challenges
- A sensory condition—if you are deaf or blind.
You can reach the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Full instructions for notifying a change can be made through the GOV.UK website.
The most prevalent condition claimed on Attendance Allowance (29%) is arthritis, which benefits 416,313 people.
However, Attendance Allowance supports over 50 conditions, and even if you are already claiming for one of them, another may have developed or your present condition may have gotten more severe.
Health Conditions Eligible for Attendance Allowance Support
Attendance Allowance provides support for individuals suffering from a wide range of health issues, including:
- AIDS.
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
- Arthritis.
- Asthma.
- Back Pain – Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified.
- Behavioural Disorder.
- Blindness.
- Blood Disorders.
- Bowel and Stomach Disease.
- Cerebrovascular Disease.
- Chest Disease.
- Chronic Pain Syndromes.
- Cystic Fibrosis.
- Dementia.
- Deafness.
- Deaf/Blind.
- Diabetes Mellitus.
- Disease of The Muscles, Bones or Joints.
- Double Amputee.
- Epilepsy.
- Frailty.
- Haemodialysis.
- Haemophilia.
- Heart Disease.
- Hyperkinetic Syndrome.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
- Learning Difficulties.
- Malignant Disease.
- Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia.
- Metabolic Disease.
- Motor Neurone Disease.
- Multiple Allergy Syndrome.
- Multiple Sclerosis.
- Neurological Diseases.
- Peripheral Vascular Disease.
- Personality Disorder.
- Psychoneurosis.
- Psychosis.
- Renal Disorders.
- Severely Mentally Impaired.
- Skin Disease.
- Spondylosis.
- Terminally Ill.
- Total Parenteral Nutrition.
- Trauma to Limbs.
- Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia.
How Much Could You Get in Attendance Allowance?
You could receive £72.65 if you need assistance during the day or night, or £108.55 if you require assistance both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, so you might receive £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period.
You can spend the money however you like, and it may allow you to remain independent in your own home for longer.
This may include:
- Paying for taxis.
- Helping with bills.
- Paying for a cleaner or gardener.