People claiming Attendance Allowance could end up in trouble if they do not declare certain personal circumstances, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned. The government body says there are strict rules people receiving the allowance should adhere to, and should they fail to do so, they risk ending up in court, as reported by the Express.
Certain changes in claimants' personal lives should be alerted to the DWP as such changes can impact whether they are entitled to the cash boost or not. If people do not follow the criteria or do not raise up a mistake, they could face a penalty - including being charged £50.
Personal changes those on the benefits must alert the DWP of include the following:
- The level of help they need or their condition changes - details must be provided, such as if the amount of times they need help each day has changed.
- If they go into hospital or a care home - as they’ll need to provide the address, the dates they’ve been there, and how their stay is paid for.
- If they leave the country for more than four weeks
- If they go to prison
- If they change their name, address or bank details
- If they want to stop receiving the benefit
- Their doctor’s details change
- If their immigration status changes (if they’re not a British citizen)
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A statement on the DWP website reads: “[Attendance Allowance claimants] 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 DWP lists eight important changes in circumstance a person must report, which could largely impact their entitlement to the benefit.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. It’s paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.
You could get £61.85 or £92.40 a week to help with personal support if you’re both: physically or mentally disabled and of State Pension age or older. It does not cover mobility needs.
The other benefits you get can increase if you get Attendance Allowance. You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim.
How to report changes:
If a claimant experiences a change in circumstance, they can report it using the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122, textphone at 0800 731 0317, or via Relay UK (if they cannot hear or speak on the phone), on 18001 then 0800 731 0122. Attendance Allowance forms can be requested by either calling the helpline on 0800 731 0122 or downloading the form from the Government website.
How you’re paid:
All benefits are paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.
What you'll get:
Attendance Allowance is paid weekly at two different rates - the one you get depends on the level of help you need. It is not means-tested - what you earn or how much you have in savings will not affect what you get.
| Rate | Level of help you need |
|---|---|
| Lower rate: £61.85 | Frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night |
| Higher rate: £92.40 | Help or supervision throughout both day and night, or a medical professional has said you might have six months or less to live |
You could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction if you get Attendance Allowance - check with the helpline or office dealing with your benefit.
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