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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that nearly 1.7 million people across Great Britain were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance as of the end of August last year. This allowance, administered by the DWP, is designed to assist older people with daily living expenses. However, many recipients may not realise that there are several changes in circumstances which must be reported to the DWP's Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 as soon as possible. These include changes in your condition or if you go into hospital, as they could affect entitlement or payments. The DWP guidance on the GOV.UK website also cautions: "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." If your circumstances alter, the amount you receive from Attendance Allowance may increase or decrease, reports the Daily Record . You must get in touch with the Attendance Allowance helpline immediately if: If you're uncertain whether a change impacts your Attendance Allowance benefit, it's worth reaching out to the DWP for clarification - full details can be found on GOV.UK. It's also crucial to note that DWP guidance indicates that if your circumstances alter, the amount you receive from Attendance Allowance may increase or decrease. You should think about contacting the DWP to report a change if you feel you need more support due to a disability or illness. This could be extra help or supervision throughout the day or at certain times during the night - even if you do not currently receive that help. This might include: You should also consider reporting a change if you are experiencing increased difficulties completing personal tasks, for example, if they take you a long time, cause pain, or require physical assistance, like a chair to lean on. However, remember that Attendance Allowance is not just 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: The Attendance Allowance helpline can be reached on 0800 731 0122, from Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. Comprehensive information about reporting a change is available on the GOV.UK website . Attendance Allowance provides support for over 50 physical or mental health conditions. Even if you're already claiming for one of these, another may have developed or your current condition may have worsened. Support is also extended to people who are terminally ill. From 7 April, you could receive £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, meaning you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 each pay period. You have complete freedom to spend the money as you see fit, and it could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for longer. This might include: Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested, so your other income or savings don't affect your eligibility - there's no limit. It's also tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, so it won't reduce any other benefits you receive. No, it won't have any effect on your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still employed and earning. Your other benefits might increase if you receive Attendance Allowance, these include: Complete guidance on Attendance Allowance can be found on GOV.UK here .
