People claiming the State Pension may also be eligible to receive Attendance Allowance if they have a disability severe enough that they need someone to help look after them.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), it is a benefit that is meant to assist claimants with the extra costs associated with their care.
However, as reported by the Daily Express, a change in a recipient's circumstances could alter how much money they receive through Attendance Allowance.
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The DWP states that any and all changes to an individual's personal circumstances must be reported to them as quickly as possible.
Those who fail to do so, and therefore withhold information from the UK Government department, risk being taken the court or having to pay a fine.
It is recommended that people seeking to update the DWP to their personal circumstances call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122.
One example of a change of personal circumstances would be if a person claiming the State Benefit believed their condition or disability had noticeably changed.
Additionally, if those on Attendance Allowance need to go to a hospital or care home, they must report this to the DWP.
Those who leave the UK for a period longer than four weeks, or who go to prison, must also update the DWP.
Furthermore, the government department must be informed of any changes to a claimant's name, address or bank details.
Finally, if a claimant’s doctor details, or immigration status if they are not a British citizen, changes, the DWP need to be informed.
In some circumstances, the DWP will ask for money to be repaid if a claimant does not report a change immediately or gives the wrong information.
Attendance Allowance is not a means-tested benefit, which means that the amount of money a recipient gets does not depend on their personal finances.
The benefit is paid at two different rates, and the one you receive will depend on the severity of your disability.
The lower rate is £60 a week and is given if the claimant needs “frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night”, according to the DWP.
In comparison, the weekly higher of £89.60 is given to those who need “help or supervision throughout both day and night", or who are terminally ill.
This means that someone on the highest amount of Attendance Allowance could face losing £358.40 a month if they do not report any changes to the DWP.
Claimants may also be eligible for extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or a Council Tax Reduction if they claim this benefit payment.
Currently, the UK Government is encouraging those who may be eligible for DWP benefits, such as Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), to come forward.
Chloe Smith, the UK Government’s Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, emphasised the importance of those with a disability reaching out to the DWP for financial support.
Ms Smith explained: “Living with a long-term illness or disability can have a profound effect on daily life, both for those with a diagnosis and those who care for them, so it’s vitally important you are receiving all the help you are entitled to.
“Millions of people already receive this support and I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible for extra financial help to check online.”
