The Department for Work and Pensions urging people to report changes in circumstances as soon as possible
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that over 1.6 million people across Great Britain were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance at the end of May last year.
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit, provided by the DWP to assist older people with daily living expenses, potentially helping them maintain independence in their own home for longer. However, claimants may not be aware that several changes in circumstances must be reported to the DWP’s Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 as soon as possible – particularly if your condition changes – as they could affect entitlement or payments, reports the Daily Record.
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 continues to list changes claimants must report.
Changes that need to be reported
If your circumstances change, the amount you get from Attendance Allowance may increase or decrease. You must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline immediately if:
- your immigration status changes, if you’re not a British citizen
- 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 want to stop receiving your benefit
- you plan to leave the country for more than 4 weeks
- you go into prison
- you change your name, address or bank details
- a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live
- your doctor’s details change
- 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
If you’re unsure whether a change affects your Attendance Allowance benefit, it’s worth contacting the DWP to check – full details on GOV.UK here.
It’s crucial to note that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) guidelines state that if your circumstances alter, your Attendance Allowance amount may increase or decrease. If you feel you require more assistance due to a disability or illness, it might be worth contacting the DWP to report a change.
This could be additional help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if you do not currently receive that help. This could include: Help 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 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. But remember, 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. You can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
Full details about reporting a change can be found on the GOV. UK website here.
