DWP Attendance Allowance rules older people must be aware of

The most recent figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) suggest that nearly 1.7 million Brits are claiming Attendance Allowance. Yet, many recipients might not realise that they need to promptly inform the DWP's Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 about any life changes.

This is particularly true if their health condition alters or if they're admitted to hospital – since these can impact their eligibility or benefit amount. The GOV.UK website lays down a stern warning from the DWP: "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."

It then details the specific updates that must be communicated, as listed below, reports the Daily Record.

Reporting a change in circumstances

If your circumstances change, the amount you get from Attendance Allowance may go up or down.

You must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline straight away 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 not sure if a change affects your Attendance Allowance benefit, it's worthwhile contacting the DWP to check - full details on GOV.UK here.

It's crucial to remember that according to DWP guidelines, if your circumstances alter, the amount you receive from Attendance Allowance may fluctuate.

Reporting a change if you need more help

Consider contacting the DWP to report a change if you feel you need more support due to a disability or illness. This could mean extra help or supervision throughout the day or at certain times during the night - even if you don't currently receive that help.

This could include:

• Help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
• Help to stay safe

You should also think about reporting a change if you're finding it increasingly difficult to complete personal tasks, for instance, if they take you longer, cause pain, or if you need physical support, like a chair to lean on. However, remember that Attendance Allowance isn't solely 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.

There are more than 50 physical or mental health conditions being supported by Attendance Allowance and 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

Support is also provided for 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 get on Attendance Allowance?

From April 7, you could be eligible for £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, which means you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 each pay period.

The money can be spent as you see fit and it could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for longer.

This might include:

• paying for taxis
• helping towards bills
• paying for a cleaner or gardener

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

Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either - there's no limit. it is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits.

Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?

No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money.

How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?

The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:

• Extra Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit Reduction
• Council Tax Reduction

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