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Attendance Allowance is a benefit distributed by the DWP for people over state pension age (currently 66) who need help with personal care or supervision due to illness or a disability. However, there are strict criteria to adhere to in order to claim and some changes must be reported to avoid facing a penalty.
Attendance Allowance can provide eligible Britons with up to £441 a month at its highest rate, which equates to £5,291 per year. The benefit is paid in two rates, lower and higher, and how much a person receives depends on the amount of help a person needs during the day and night.
But, while it can offer a significant monthly boost, it’s essential that people are on top of their applications to avoid facing a fine, or even worse, court action.
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.”
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The DWP lists eight changes in circumstance a person must report, which could largely impact their entitlement to the benefit.
What changes in circumstance have to be reported?
Those claiming or applying for Attendance Allowance must report if 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.
Claimants must report if they go into hospital or a care home. They’ll need to provide the address, the dates they’ve been there, and how their stay is paid for.
They must also report if they leave the country for more than four weeks, they go to prison, and they change their name, address or bank details.
They also have to report if they want to stop receiving the benefit, their doctor’s details change, or their immigration status changes, if they’re not a British citizen.
If a person doesn’t report a change or a mistake, they might be paid too much and in this case, they might have to pay some of the money back. They might also have to pay a £50 penalty.
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There are two rates of Attendance Allowance offered, the lower rate and the higher rate.
The lower rate applies to people who need help during the day or at night and currently amounts to £68.10 per week.
The higher rate applies to those who need help during both the day and at night or have a terminal illness. This currently amounts to £101.75 per week.
