Pensioners have been warned that they must report changes in their circumstances or face losing a sizable amount of money a week. News of the alert was reported on Sunday, December 18.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the government department responsible for administering a range of benefits relating to welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. Those of state pension age are entitled to a range of benefits, in addition to their pension, depending upon their circumstances, which could boost their income. One of these benefits is Attendance Allowance - an additional support payment to help those with the additional costs that arise from having a long-term health condition or illness.
However, according to a report by the Express, claimants of Attendance Allowance have to notify DWP of any major life changes or they could lose around £92.40 a week. This is because an individual’s circumstances could affect how much they are entitled to from the DWP benefit.
READ MORE: Updates as ambulance staff strike over pay with delays to services
The government website says that Attendance Allowance "helps pay for your personal care if you've reached State Pension age and are disabled". The amount of money someone gets from Attendance Allowance is dependent on the “severity” of their condition with the payment made at two different rates. Pensioners can claim £92.40 a week if they are eligible for the higher amount or £61.85 if they are entitled to the lower rate. An individual who is currently dealing with a severe health condition or illness could therefore get up to £369.60 monthly from Attendance Allowance.
The DWP highlights on its website that someone is eligible for the payment if they “have a physical disability, a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or both”. As well as this, claimants must have needed help for at least six months to be eligible for Attendance Allowance.
Claimants must keep the DWP up to date with changes in their circumstances. Changes can alter how much money they receive. Examples of the type of situations which need to be reported to the DWP include:
- If the amount of help someone needs or their condition changes
- If someone goes into hospital or a care home
- If an individual leaves the country for more than four weeks
- If a person has to go into prison
- Changes to your name, address or bank details
- If a person wants to stop receiving your benefit
- If a doctor’s details change
- If an individual’s immigration status changes or they are not a British citizen
For more information about Attendance Allowance, how to claim and how to notifiy the DWP of changes, visit the government website here.
READ NEXT
DWP issues update on £300 Cost of Living and Winter Fuel payments
'Fresh twist' for shop that's opened in 'old school Nottingham building'
'Regrettable' as decision on £20m funding for Nottingham's Broad Marsh delayed
Moment Mike Tindall told Prince William he was planning to go on I'm A Celeb - this is what he said
Construction starts on new restaurant in Nottingham city centre
