The DWP has issued a warning to Attendance Allowance claimants
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published the latest statistics, showing that more than 1.7 million people across Great Britain were claiming extra financial assistance via Attendance Allowance at the end of February this year.
Numerous recipients may be unaware that several alterations in circumstances must be notified to the DWP’s Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 immediately – especially if your health condition changes or you’re hospitalised – as these might affect eligibility or payments.
The DWP guidance on the GOV.UK website also warns: “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 goes on to detail the modifications claimants must declare, which are set out 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 immediately contact the Attendance Allowance helpline 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 plan to leave the country for more than 4 weeks
- 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 immigration status changes, if you’re not a British citizen
- You want to stop receiving your benefit
- Your doctor’s details change
- A medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live
- You change your name, address or bank details
- You go into prison
If you’re uncertain whether a change affects your Attendance Allowance benefit, it’s advisable to contact the DWP for clarification – full details can be found on GOV.UK here. It’s crucial to note that according to DWP guidance, if your circumstances change, the amount you receive from Attendance Allowance may increase or decrease.
Reporting a change if you need more help
If you feel you require additional assistance due to a disability or illness, you should consider reporting a change to the DWP. This could be extra help or supervision throughout the day or at 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, or help to stay safe.
You should also consider reporting a change if you are experiencing more difficulties completing personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, 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, or a sensory condition – if you are deaf or blind.
You can reach out to the Attendance Allowance helpline 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.
