Attendance Allowance claimants could lose £434 for not reporting changes (Image: Getty Images)
Elderly individuals could risk losing up to £434 in Attendance Allowance payments if they fail to adhere to certain rules. The Department for Work and Pensions () has revealed that as of May last year, over 1.6 million people across Great Britain were receiving additional financial aid through .
This tax-free benefit, provided by the , assists older people with daily living costs, potentially enabling them to maintain independence in their own homes for longer. However, it’s vital that claimants report any changes in circumstances immediately to the ‘s helpline on 0800 731 0122, especially if their condition changes, as this could affect entitlements or payments.
Official guidance warns: “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’s important to note that according to guidelines, if your circumstances change, the amount you receive from may increase or decrease. If you feel you need more help due to a disability or illness, you should consider contacting the to report a change.
Reporting a change in circumstances
You must contact the helpline straight away if:
- 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
- your immigration status changes, if you’re not a British citizen
- 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 change your name, address or bank details
- your doctor’s details change
- 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
- you go into prison
- you want to stop receiving your benefit
If there’s any uncertainty about whether a change affects your benefit, it’s advisable to contact the for clarification.
If you require additional assistance or supervision throughout the day or night, even if you’re not currently receiving it, you may be eligible for help. This could include aid with personal care tasks such as dressing, eating, drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing, showering, and using the toilet.
If you find that personal tasks are becoming more challenging – taking longer, causing pain, or requiring physical support like a chair to lean on – it’s worth reporting these changes. However, note that isn’t solely for those with physical disabilities or illnesses.
If you have a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or a sensory condition (such as being deaf or blind) and need more help or supervision, you should also consider reporting a change. The helpline can be reached at 0800 731 0122, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
More information about reporting a change can be found on the