DWP Attendance Allowance key changes to report or risk penalties

New Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) statistics reveal nearly 1.7 million people across Great Britain were receiving extra financial help through Attendance Allowance by the end of August last year. Yet many recipients might not realise several changes in circumstances must be reported to the DWP's Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 immediately - particularly if your condition deteriorates or you're hospitalised - as these could impact eligibility or payments.

DWP guidance on the GOV.UK website also 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."

The guidance proceeds to outline changes recipients must declare, which are detailed below, reports the Daily Record.

Reporting a change in circumstances

If your circumstances alter, the amount you receive from Attendance Allowance may increase or decrease.

You must get in touch with the Attendance Allowance helpline immediately if:

• 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 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
• a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live
• you plan to leave the country for more than 4 weeks
• you go into prison
• you change your name, address or bank details
• you want to stop receiving your benefit
• your doctor’s details change
• your immigration status changes, if you’re not a British citizen

If you're uncertain whether a change impacts your Attendance Allowance benefit, it's worth reaching out to the DWP for clarification - full details can be found on GOV.UK.

It's also crucial to note that DWP guidance indicates that if your circumstances alter, the amount you receive from Attendance Allowance may increase or decrease.

Reporting a change if you require help

You should think about contacting the DWP to report a change if you feel you need more support due to a disability or illness. This could be extra help or supervision throughout the day or at certain times during the night - even if you do not currently receive that help.

This might include:

• Assistance with personal care - such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet.
• Help to ensure safety.

You should also consider reporting a change if you are experiencing increased difficulties completing personal tasks, for example, if they take you a long time, cause pain, or require physical assistance, like a chair to lean on. However, remember that Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness.

You should also consider reporting a change if you need more help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:

• a mental health condition.
• learning difficulties.
• a sensory condition - if you are deaf or blind.

The Attendance Allowance helpline can be reached on 0800 731 0122, from Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. Comprehensive information about reporting a change is available on the GOV.UK website. Attendance Allowance provides support for over 50 physical or mental health conditions. Even if you're already claiming for one of these, another may have developed or your current condition may have worsened.

Health issues supported by Attendance Allowance

Support is also extended to people who are terminally ill.

• Arthritis
• Spondylosis
• Back Pain – other / precise diagnosis not specified
• Disease of the muscles, bones or joints
• Trauma to limbs
• Blindness
• Deafness
• Heart disease
• Chest disease
• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Epilepsy
• Neurological diseases
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's
• Motor neurone disease
• Chronic pain syndromes
• Diabetes mellitus
• Metabolic disease
• Traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia
• Major trauma other than traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia
• Learning difficulties
• Psychosis
• Psychoneurosis
• Personality disorder
• Dementia
• Behavioural disorder
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Hyperkinetic syndrome
• Renal disorders
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Bowel and stomach disease
• Blood disorders
• Haemophilia
• Multi system disorders
• Multiple allergy syndrome
• Skin disease
• Malignant disease
• Severely mentally impaired
• Double amputee
• Deaf/blind
• Haemodialysis
• Frailty
• Total parenteral nutrition
• AIDS

How much could I receive on Attendance Allowance?

From 7 April, you could receive £73.90 (lower rate) if you require assistance during the day or at night, or £110.40 (higher rate) if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, meaning you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 each pay period.

You have complete freedom to spend the money as you see fit, and it could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for longer.

This might include:

• Covering taxi fares.
• Contributing towards bills.
• Paying for a cleaner or gardener.

Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?

Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested, so your other income or savings don't affect your eligibility - there's no limit. It's also tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, so it won't reduce any other benefits you receive.

Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?

No, it won't have any effect on your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still employed and earning.

How does Attendance Allowance influence other benefits?

Your other benefits might increase if you receive Attendance Allowance, these include:

• Additional Pension Credit.
• Housing Benefit Reduction.
• Council Tax Reduction.

Complete guidance on Attendance Allowance can be found on GOV.UK here.