More than a million people in the UK receive Attendance Allowance, a vital benefit designed to help individuals with their daily living costs. The allowance can reach up to £441 per month, providing crucial support for many to maintain their independence and remain in their own homes for longer.
However, recipients are being reminded of their responsibility to report any changes in their circumstances, as failing to do so may result in a loss of payments. According to Devon Live, changes such as hospital stays, changes in health conditions, or address updates must be promptly communicated to avoid issues with payment continuation.
Importance of informing DWP of any changes
In August last year, nearly 1.7 million people were receiving Attendance Allowance, a tax-free benefit designed to assist older citizens with daily living costs.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has stressed the importance of keeping their records up-to-date, as failing to inform them of changes could result in the cancellation of payments. Official DWP guidance on the GOV.UK website explicitly cautions:
You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.
Key changes that must be reported
Recipients must promptly inform the DWP if their circumstances change, which may affect their entitlement or the amount they receive.
Changes that require reporting include:
- You want to stop receiving your benefit.
- You go into hospital or a care home – you’ll need to provide the address, the dates you’ve been there for, and how your stay is paid for.
- Your doctor’s details change.
- Your immigration status changes, if you’re not a British citizen.
- A medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live.
- You go into prison.
- The level of help you need or your condition changes – you’ll need to provide details like if the amount of times you need help each day has changed.
- You change your name, address, or bank details.
- You plan to leave the country for more than four weeks.
The DWP has warned that recipients who fail to report a change could face legal consequences or penalties. The Department’s guidance is clear: if you give wrong information or neglect to report a change, you could be taken to court.
Eligibility and amounts for Attendance Allowance
From April 7, the Attendance Allowance provides two levels of payment: £73.90 (lower rate) for those needing help during the day or night, and £110.40 (higher rate) for those requiring assistance both day and night or who are terminally ill.
These benefits are paid every four weeks, offering recipients financial flexibility for essential costs such as paying bills or hiring help at home.
Beneficiaries can receive either £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period, depending on the rate they qualify for.
Who is eligible for Attendance Allowance?
More than 50 conditions qualify for Attendance Allowance, including Deafness, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, Arthritis, and Dementia, as well as mental health conditions and terminal illnesses.
Even those who already receive the allowance may need to report changes if their condition worsens or they develop additional health issues.
Conditions supported by Attendance Allowance include:
- Deafness
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Neurological Diseases
- Psychosis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Haemophilia
- Epilepsy
- Chest Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- AIDS
- Personality Disorder
- Haemodialysis
- Metabolic Disease
- Spondylosis
- Deaf/Blind
- Learning Difficulties
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Motor Neurone Disease
- Frailty
- Arthritis
- Bowel and Stomach Disease
- Asthma
- Dementia
- Heart Disease
- Blood Disorders
- Trauma to Limbs
- Multiple Allergy Syndrome
Support is also provided for people who are terminally ill. Claimants can report changes to the DWP by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122, available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Further details are also available on the official GOV.UK website.
