DWP Attendance Allowance rules older people must be aware of

Daily Mirror

11 hours ago

The DWP has issued guidance on Attendance Allowance payments and what to do if your circumstances change
The most recent figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) suggest that nearly 1.7 million Brits are claiming Attendance Allowance. Yet, many recipients might not realise that they need to promptly inform the DWP's Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 about any life changes.
This is particularly true if their health condition alters or if they're admitted to hospital – since these can impact their eligibility or benefit amount. The GOV.UK website lays down a stern warning from the DWP: "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."
It then details the specific updates that must be communicated, as listed below, reports the Daily Record.
Reporting a change in circumstances
If your circumstances change, the amount you get from Attendance Allowance may go up or down.
You must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline straight away if:
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
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
a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live
you plan to leave the country for more than 4 weeks
you go into prison
you change your name, address or bank details
you want to stop receiving your benefit
your doctor's details change
your immigration status changes, if you're not a British citizen
If you're not sure if a change affects your Attendance Allowance benefit, it's worthwhile contacting the DWP to check - full details on GOV.UK here.
It's crucial to remember that according to DWP guidelines, if your circumstances alter, the amount you receive from Attendance Allowance may fluctuate.
Reporting a change if you need more help
Consider contacting the DWP to report a change if you feel you need more support due to a disability or illness. This could mean extra help or supervision throughout the day or at certain times during the night - even if you don't currently receive that help.
This could include:
Help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
Help to stay safe
You should also think about reporting a change if you're finding it increasingly difficult to complete personal tasks, for instance, if they take you longer, cause pain, or if you need physical support, like a chair to lean on. However, remember that Attendance Allowance isn't solely 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 are deaf or blind
You can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 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.
There are more than 50 physical or mental health conditions being supported by Attendance Allowance and even if you're already claiming for one of these, another may have developed or your current condition may have become more debilitating.
Health issues supported by Attendance Allowance
Support is also provided for People who are terminally ill.
Arthritis
Spondylosis
Back Pain – Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified
Disease of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
Trauma to Limbs
Blindness
Deafness
Heart disease
Chest disease
Asthma
Cystic Fibrosis
Cerebrovascular Disease
Peripheral vascular Disease
Epilepsy
Neurological Diseases
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson's
Motor Neurone Disease
Chronic Pain Syndromes
Diabetes Mellitus
Metabolic Disease
Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
Learning Difficulties
Psychosis
Psychoneurosis
Personality Disorder
Dementia
Behavioural Disorder
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Hyperkinetic Syndrome
Renal Disorders
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Bowel and Stomach Disease
Blood Disorders
Haemophilia
Multi System Disorders
Multiple Allergy Syndrome
Skin Disease
Malignant Disease
Severely Mentally impaired
Double Amputee
Deaf/Blind
Haemodialysis
Frailty
Total Parenteral Nutrition
AIDS
How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?
From April 7, you could be eligible for £73.90 (lower rate) if you require assistance during the day or at night, or £110.40 (higher rate) if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, which means you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 each pay period.
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The money can be spent as you see fit and it could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for longer.
This might include:
paying for taxis
helping towards bills
paying for a cleaner or gardener
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Can I claim Attendance Allowance if I have savings and other income?
Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either - there's no limit. it is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?
No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money.
How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:
Extra Pension Credit
Housing Benefit Reduction
Council Tax Reduction