More than 1.7 million pensioners receive Attendance Allowance
Over 1.7 million pensioners throughout Great Britain are currently receiving Attendance Allowance, a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit available to those aged 66 and over. However, claimants must report certain changes in their circumstances without delay – or risk having their payments of up to £441 a month reduced, halted or even face a penalty.
Guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is unequivocal that failing to declare a change could result in overpayments, fines or prosecution. Even short-term changes, such as a hospital stay, can affect eligibility.
Attendance Allowance is paid by the DWP to assist pensioners with additional costs arising from disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health conditions.
DWP regulations stipulate that claimants must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline as promptly as possible should their condition change, their care needs increase or decrease, or their personal circumstances shift in any way that could affect their claim.
If you are uncertain whether a change requires reporting, the safest course of action is to ring the helpline and verify – as overlooking it could put your weekly payments in jeopardy, reports the Daily Record.
DWP guidance on GOV.UK 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 claimants must report, which are detailed below.
Reporting a change in circumstances
If your circumstances alter, your Attendance Allowance payments could rise, fall or cease entirely.
You must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline immediately if:
- The level of help you need changes or your condition worsens or improves
- You go into hospital or move into a care home (you’ll need the address, dates and details of how the stay is funded)
- A medical professional has said you may have 12 months or less to live
- You plan to leave the UK for more than four weeks
- You go into prison
- You change your name, address or bank details
- You want to stop your claim
- Your doctor changes
- Your immigration status changes
If you’re uncertain whether something qualifies as a change, it’s safer to contact the DWP and verify rather than risk an overpayment or suspended claim.
Reporting a change if you require additional assistance
You should also contact the DWP if you now require more support due to a disability or illness – even if you’re not currently receiving that assistance.
This includes requiring:
- Help with personal care such as dressing, eating, getting in and out of bed, bathing or using the toilet
- Supervision to stay safe during the day or at night
You should report a change if tasks are taking considerably longer, causing discomfort, or you need physical support such as something to lean on.
Attendance Allowance is not limited to physical conditions. You may also qualify for a higher rate if you need more help due to:
- A mental health condition
- Learning difficulties
- A sensory condition, such as being deaf or blind
The Attendance Allowance helpline is 0800 731 0122 and is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
