Any changes to an individual's personal circumstances could potentially impact whether they are entitled to claim Attendance Allowance or not.
The helpful benefit is given out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and is aimed at those over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability. Lancaster Live reports that there are strict criteria that people must meet in order to claim.
Some changes to people's circumstances must be reported, or they risk being landed with a penalty. Anyone who is eligible for Attendance Allowance could be awarded up to £400.40 a month at its highest rate.
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This equates to £4,804.80 annually. The benefit is paid at two rates, a higher and lower one, and the amount someone is given depends on the amount of help they need during the day and throughout the night.
Despite giving someone who needs it a significant financial boost, it is essential for people to be on top of their applications to avoid facing a severe penalty.
A statement on the DWP website reads: “[Attendance Allowance claimants] 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 DWP has listed eight important changes in circumstance that a person must report, which could impact their entitlement to the benefit substantially.
The eight changes that must be reported to the DWP
Those claiming or applying for Attendance Allowance must report the following changes to the DWP:
- The level of help they need or their condition changes - details must be provided, such as if the amount of times they need help each day has changed
- They go into hospital or a care home - they’ll need to provide the address, the dates they’ve been there, and how their stay is paid for
- They leave the country for more than four weeks
- They go to prison
- They change their name, address or bank details
- They want to stop receiving the benefit
- Their doctor’s details change
- Their immigration status changes, if they’re not a British citizen
If a person fails to report any of these changes, they could be paid too much money and would have to pay some of it back. They might also have to pay a £50 penalty.
How to report these changes to the DWP
If you experience a change in circumstance and are claiming Attendance Allowance, you can report it to the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122.
Alternatively, you can contact them via textphone at 0800 731 0317, via Relay UK (if they cannot hear or speak on the phone), or on 18001 then 0800 731 0122.
Attendance Allowance forms can be requested by either calling the helpline on 0800 731 0122 or downloading the form from the Government website.
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