DWP Attendance Allowance warning as monthly payments up to £434 could be stopped

Recent data released by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that more than 1.6 million people across Great Britain got extra financial aid through Attendance Allowance as of the end of February this year. The benefit is tax-free and aims to assist older individuals with daily living costs, to promote their independence at home.

However, recipients of the Attendance Allowance might not be aware that they must promptly report any alterations in circumstances to the DWP’s dedicated helpline on 0800 731 0122. This is also a crucial step if your condition changes.

This could impact their entitlement or payment amount. The GOV.UK website offers clear guidance from the DWP. It 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."

Attendance Allowance changes you must report

It's critical for beneficiaries to immediately get in touch with the Attendance Allowance helpline should their situation alter, as this may influence the sum they receive from the benefit, potentially increasing or decreasing it. In case there's uncertainty regarding whether a certain change affects their Attendance Allowance, contacting the DWP for confirmation is advisable, reports the Daily Record.

You must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline straight away if:

• you plan to leave the country for more than 4 weeks
• your immigration status changes, if you’re not a British citizen
• you change your name, address or bank details
• 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
• 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 prison
• you want to stop receiving your benefit
• your doctor’s details change

It's crucial to note that according to DWP guidelines, if your circumstances alter, the amount you receive from Attendance Allowance may go up or down. If you feel you require more assistance due to a disability or illness, you should consider 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 get that help. This could encompass: assistance with personal care - such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet, or include help to stay safe.

Attendance Allowance changes where you need more help

You should also report 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, 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.

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 become more debilitating.

Health issues supported by Attendance Allowance

The allowance also extends its support to those who are terminally ill.

• Metabolic Disease
• Double Amputee
• Deaf/Blind
• Haemophilia
• Motor Neurone Disease
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Trauma to Limbs
• Spondylosis
• Dementia
• Back Pain – Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified
• Chronic Pain Syndromes
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Hyperkinetic Syndrome
• Renal Disorders
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Heart disease
• Chest disease
• AIDS
• Total Parenteral Nutrition
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse
• Severely Mentally impaired
• Multiple Allergy Syndrome
• Disease of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
• Asthma
• Psychosis
• Learning Difficulties
• Arthritis
• Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
• Blood Disorders
• Epilepsy
• Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
• Behavioural Disorder
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neurological Diseases
• Skin Disease
• Malignant Disease
• Personality Disorder
• Peripheral vascular Disease
• Frailty
• Blindness
• Psychoneurosis
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Bowel and Stomach Disease
• Deafness
• Multi System Disorders
• Parkinson's
• Haemodialysis

How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?

Depending on your needs, you could receive either £72.65 (lower rate) if you need help during the day or at night. But that could rise to £108.55 (higher rate) if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill.

This benefit is paid every four weeks, meaning you could receive either £290.60 or £434.20 each pay period. The money can be spent however you wish, potentially helping you maintain independence in your own home for longer.

This might include paying for taxis, contributing towards bills, or hiring a cleaner or gardener. Importantly, Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested, so it doesn't matter what other income you have or how much you have in savings - there's no limit.

It's also tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, so it won't affect any other benefits you receive. Furthermore, it won't impact your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money.

If you're eligible for Attendance Allowance, you might also see an increase in other benefits such as Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction, and Council Tax Reduction. Comprehensive guidance on Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website.