The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to thousands of people claiming Attendance Allowance, as many may be missing out on up to £434 per month due to unreported changes in circumstances.
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit that supports elderly and disabled individuals with care needs. Over 1.5 million people in the UK currently claim this benefit, which is available at two rates depending on the level of assistance required.
Attendance Allowance Rates
The amount you receive depends on how much care you need:
| Rate | Weekly Payment | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate | £72.65 | Around £290 |
| Higher Rate | £108.55 | Around £434 |
Many eligible claimants are not receiving the higher rate, even if their health condition has worsened.
How to Increase Your Attendance Allowance Payment
If your care needs increase, you may qualify for the higher rate of Attendance Allowance. You should contact the DWP immediately if:
- Your condition worsens and you need more frequent or intensive care.
- The number of times you need help each day has increased.
- You have been told by a medical professional that you have 12 months or less to live (you may qualify for the higher rate under special rules for end of life care).
To update your claim, contact the Attendance Allowance helpline and provide details of your current care needs.
Other Changes You Must Report to the DWP
Failing to report certain changes could affect your payments. You must inform the DWP if:
- You are admitted to hospital or a care home
- Provide the name and address of the hospital/care home.
- Specify the duration of your stay and how your care is funded.
- You plan to leave the UK for more than four weeks
- Inform the DWP about your travel plans to avoid losing payments.
- Your personal details change
- If you change your name, address, or bank details, you must update the DWP.
- You go into prison
- Your Attendance Allowance may be affected if you are sentenced to prison.
- Your doctor’s details change
- The DWP may need to contact your new GP or specialist.
- Your immigration status changes (if you are not a British citizen).
- You decide to stop claiming Attendance Allowance.
How to Contact the DWP for Attendance Allowance Updates
You can report changes or apply for an Attendance Allowance increase by calling the DWP Attendance Allowance helpline:
Phone Number:
- Telephone: 0800 731 0122
- Textphone: 0800 731 0317
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
You can also visit the official government website at gov.uk/attendance-allowance for more information.
Thousands of Attendance Allowance claimants could be missing out on £434 per month simply because they have not updated the DWP about changes in their health or care needs. If your condition has worsened, you may qualify for the higher rate.
It is crucial to check your eligibility and report any changes immediately to avoid losing payments or missing out on extra support.
For more details or to update your claim, contact the DWP Attendance Allowance helpline or visit gov.uk.
Source: Link
FAQ’s
How much can I get from Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates: £72.65 per week (lower rate) and £108.55 per week (higher rate), which amounts to around £434 per month.
How do I qualify for the higher rate of Attendance Allowance?
You may qualify for the higher rate (£108.55 per week) if your care needs have increased, you require help more frequently, or a medical professional confirms you have 12 months or less to live.
What changes must I report to the DWP?
You must inform the DWP if you are admitted to a hospital or care home, leave the UK for more than four weeks, change your address or bank details, go to prison, or your health condition worsens.
How can I contact the DWP for Attendance Allowance updates?
You can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122 (Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM) or visit the official website at gov.uk.
Can I lose Attendance Allowance if I go abroad?
If you leave the UK for more than four weeks, your Attendance Allowance payments may stop. You must inform the DWP before traveling.
