DWP warning as pensioners risk losing £441 a month payments if benefit rules broken
Attendance Allowance is a benefit given to those over the State Pension age - which is currently 66 - who need help with day-to-day personal care or supervision due to their illness or disability
Pensioners could have payments worth up to £441 a month from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) taken away if they don't follow the benefit rules.
Attendance Allowance is a benefit given to those over the State Pension age - which is currently 66 - who need help with day-to-day personal care or supervision due to their illness or disability.
The benefit is not means-tested and - depending on your specific needs - is worth between £295.60 and £441.60 a month as there are two different rates that can be paid. The lower rate is £73.80 a week, and it is paid to people who need help or supervision during the day or night.
The higher rate is £110.40 a week, and it is for people who need help or supervision during the day or night. People living with terminal conditions are eligible to claim the higher rate.
The warning comes as new figures from the DWP showed almost 1.7 million people across the UK received additional financial support through the benefit in August last year.
The benefit is designed to help older Brits with daily living expenses, which come with having an illness or disability. It also aims to help them stay independent in their own home for longer.
As Attendance Allowance is based on how your condition affects your day-to-day living, you will need to report any changes which occur to the benefits department. This includes any changes in their condition, or if they become hospitalised, as both could impact both eligibility and payment amounts.
This is because some of these changes could impact how much money you are entitled to. If you claim more than you should, then this could be seen as benefit fraud.
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Guidance on the GOV.UK website states: "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."
According to the DWP, people must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline straight away if:
There is a change in the claimant's condition, or the level of help needed
The claimant goes into hospital or a care home
A medical professional has said the claimant might have 12 months or less to live
The claimant plans to leave the country for more than four weeks
The claimant goes to prison
The claimant changes their name, address or bank details
The claimant wants to stop receiving your benefit
Doctor's details change
Immigration status changes, if the claimant is not a British citizen
Claimants can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122, between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. They can also have someone contact the benefit department on their behalf if needed.
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