Attendance Allowance claimants at risk of losing payments of up to £434

Over 1.6 million people in Great Britain benefited from extra financial assistance through Attendance Allowance by the end of February, according to the latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This tax-free benefit is intended to help older adults with daily living expenses, contributing to their independence while remaining at home.

Yet, many who receive the Attendance Allowance may not realise they are required to inform the DWP immediately of any changes in circumstances by calling the dedicated helpline at 0800 731 0122—particularly if there's a change in condition that could affect their entitlement or amount received. .

The GOV. UK website offers detailed guidance, warning: "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."

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Recipients must act swiftly to communicate any changes to their situation to the Attendance Allowance helpline—as delays can adjust their benefit payments. For those unsure whether a specific change impacts their Attendance Allowance, reaching out to the DWP for clarification is recommended.

It’s essential to call the Attendance Allowance helpline without delay in case of changes, reports the Daily Record.

Attendance Allowance changes you must report

It's important to remember that, as per the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) guidelines, your Attendance Allowance amount may increase or decrease if your circumstances change. If you believe you need more support due to a disability or illness, it's recommended to contact the DWP to report a change.

You must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline straight away if:

• you change your name, address or bank details

• the level of help you need or your condition changes - you will 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

• 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

• your immigration status changes, if you’re not a British citizen

• a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live

• you want to stop receiving your benefit

• you go into prison

If you find yourself needing more help with Attendance Allowance changes, you should also report a change if you're having more difficulties completing personal tasks - for example, if they take a long time, cause pain, or require physical help like a chair to lean on. However, keep in mind, Attendance Allowance isn't 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're deaf or blind. You can reach the Attendance Allowance helpline at 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 offers 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 severe.

Health issues supported by Attendance Allowance

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

How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?

The allowance also extends its support to those who are terminally ill. Depending on your needs, you could receive either £72.65 (lower rate) if you need help during the day or at night.

However, this could increase 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.