DWP Attendance Allowance recipients could lose up to £73.90 per week if they fail to report changes to their circumstances. The Department for Work and Pensions emphasises timely notification to avoid payment disruption, overpayments, penalties, or legal action.
Key Facts & Figures
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Weekly Rates | £73.90 or £110.40 depending on care needs |
| Mandatory Reporting | Must report changes like illness progression, hospital stays, etc. |
| Specific Triggers to Report | Name/address/bank updates, imprisonment, longer stays abroad, immigration changes |
| Hospital/Care Home Rule | Benefits stop after 28 days in hospital/care home |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Overpayment repayment, £50 penalty, or prosecution in cases of fraud |
| Reporting Contact | Attendance Allowance helpline: 0800 731 0122 |
Detailed Explanation
Weekly Payments & Eligibility
Attendance Allowance supports individuals of State Pension age or older who require personal care due to disability or health conditions. Weekly rates are structured as:
- £73.90 (lower rate)
- £110.40 (higher rate)
These amounts are tax-free and designed to help with daily assistance needs.
Obligation to Report Changes
Claimants must promptly notify the DWP when circumstances change. This includes but is not limited to:
- Hospital or care home stays longer than 28 days
- Changes to name, address, bank details, or doctor
- Imprisonment
- Planned absences abroad exceeding four weeks
- Changes in immigration status
Failing to do so can impact entitlement or payment amounts.
Hospital & Care Home Stays
Attendance Allowance payments halt after 28 days of hospital admission or care home residence. Should the claimant leave for even part of a day, the clock resets unless within a 28-day linkage period.
Claimants must report these stays regardless to ensure accurate benefit adjustment.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Ignoring notification duties can trigger overpayments. Claimants may be required to:
- Repay excess payments
- Pay a £50 penalty if deemed negligent
- Face legal prosecution for fraudulent misrepresentation
How to Report Changes
Use the Attendance Allowance helpline – 0800 731 0122 (textphone and relay services available) – weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm. Reporting ensures entitlements are recalculated correctly.
Attendance Allowance recipients must stay vigilant and report any life changes promptly. Non-compliance risks losing weekly payments of £73.90, could trigger penalties, and even result in legal action.
Staying informed and proactive ensures continued financial support.
FAQs
What is Attendance Allowance and how much can I get?
Attendance Allowance is a UK benefit for elderly individuals needing personal care. Weekly payments are either £73.90 or £110.40, depending on care needs.
What changes must be reported to DWP?
Any change affecting your situation—such as hospital stays over 28 days, imprisonment, moving abroad for over four weeks, or personal data changes—must be reported.
What happens if I don’t report a change?
Failure may result in overpayment recovery, a £50 penalty, or prosecution in severe cases.