DWP Attendance Allowance claimants could lose £73 a week for not following rules
Attendance Allowance recipients could face losing their payments entirely if they fail to notify authorities about changes to their circumstances. Latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures show that nearly 1.7 million people across the UK were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance by the end of August last year.
However, many claimants may not realise that certain alterations to their situation must be reported to the DWP's Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122. And that is especially so if their health worsens or they need hospital care.
That's because these could affect their entitlement or payment amounts. DWP guidance 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."
The guidance goes on to specify the modifications that claimants must declare, which are listed below, reports the Daily Record.
Reporting a change to the DWP
You must immediately contact the Attendance Allowance helpline if:
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
you plan to leave the country for more than 4 weeks
you want to stop receiving your benefit
you go into prison
you change your name, address or bank details
your doctor's details change
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
a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live (you could get Attendance Allowance at a higher rate under 'special rules for end of life')
If you're uncertain whether a change impacts your Attendance Allowance benefit, it's worth reaching out to the DWP for clarification - full details can be found on GOV.UK.
DWP guidance indicates that if your circumstances change the amount you receive from Attendance Allowance may increase or decrease. You can report any of these changes by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline by dialling 0800 731 0122.
How much you get from Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is strictly paid at two rates on a weekly basis. The lower rate, provided when someone requires frequent assistance or constant supervision during the day or night, is set at £73.60 per week or £294.40 per month.
The higher rate, given to those who need help or supervision throughout both the day and night, or when a medical professional has said that someone is nearing the end of life, is set at £110.40 per week or £441.60 per month.
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