DWP Attendance Allowance changes pensioners must report to avoid penalty

More than 1.7 million pensioners across Great Britain are now receiving Attendance Allowance, but claimants must report certain changes in circumstances or risk having their payments reduced or stopped

Over 1.7 million pensioners throughout Great Britain are currently in receipt of Attendance Allowance, a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit available to those aged 66 and over. However, recipients must notify the relevant authorities of certain changes in their circumstances without delay — or risk having their payments of up to £458 a month reduced, suspended or even facing a financial penalty.

Guidance issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is unambiguous: failing to declare a change could result in overpayments, fines or even prosecution. Even short-term changes, such as a period of hospitalisation, can have an impact on eligibility.

Attendance Allowance is administered by the DWP to assist pensioners with additional costs arising from disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health conditions. Following the annual uprating in April, payments now stand at either £76.70 per week at the lower rate or £114.60 at the higher rate.

Attendance Allowance is no longer accessible to claimants with a Scottish postcode, who instead receive Pension Age Disability Payment through Social Security Scotland. Both benefits are paid at identical rates and operate under broadly similar eligibility criteria.

DWP regulations stipulate that claimants must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline promptly should their condition change, their care needs increase or decrease, or their personal circumstances shift in any way that could affect their claim, reports the Daily Record.

If you are uncertain whether a change warrants reporting, the wisest course of action is to ring the helpline and seek clarification — as overlooking it could jeopardise your weekly payments. DWP guidance on GOV.UK 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.”

The guidance proceeds to outline changes claimants are required to report, which are detailed below.

Reporting a change in circumstances

Should your circumstances alter, your Attendance Allowance payments may rise, fall or cease entirely.

You must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline immediately if:

• The level of help you need changes or your condition worsens or improves
• You go into hospital or move into a care home (you’ll need the address, dates and details of how the stay is funded)
• A medical professional has said you may have 12 months or less to live
• You plan to leave the UK for more than four weeks
• You go into prison
• You change your name, address or bank details
• You want to stop your claim
• Your doctor changes
• Your immigration status changes

If you are uncertain whether something constitutes a change, it is preferable to contact the DWP and verify rather than risk an overpayment or suspended claim.

Reporting a change if you need more help

You should also contact the DWP if you now require additional assistance due to a disability or illness – even if you are not currently receiving that support.

This includes requiring:

• Help with personal care such as dressing, eating, getting in and out of bed, bathing or using the toilet
• Supervision to stay safe during the day or at night

You should report a change if tasks are taking considerably longer, causing discomfort, or you need physical assistance such as something to lean on.

Attendance Allowance is not restricted to physical conditions. You may also qualify for a higher rate if you need more help due to:

• A mental health condition
• Learning difficulties
• A sensory condition, such as being deaf or blind

The Attendance Allowance helpline is 0800 731 0122 and operates Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.