**DWP Urges Attendance Allowance Recipients to Report Crucial Life Changes**
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is reminding those receiving Attendance Allowance to keep the department promptly informed about any significant life changes, a requirement that ensures individuals receive the correct benefit entitlement and avoid potential penalties.
Latest government data reveals nearly 1.7 million people across Great Britain rely on Attendance Allowance—the non-means-tested, tax-free benefit designed to help people over State Pension age with extra costs related to disabilities or illnesses that hamper daily living activities. Depending on their level of need, claimants receive either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, with payments arriving every four weeks.
While Attendance Allowance provides vital financial support, there remains a concerning lack of awareness among some recipients regarding their responsibility to inform the DWP of alterations in their circumstances. The DWP has clarified that failure to promptly declare changes could lead to severe repercussions, including financial penalties or even court action, if false information is given or updates are not provided as required.
Guidance published by the government specifies a range of changes that must be reported as soon as they occur. Key events or alterations which necessitate immediate action include variations in the level of support needed, such as requiring more or less assistance with personal or medical tasks. If the frequency or type of help a claimant needs during the day or night changes, that should be notified to the Attendance Allowance helpline.
Hospital or care home stays are another critical change. Claimants must provide the DWP with full details such as the address, duration, and nature of payment for their stay. Similarly, if a medical professional has determined that a person may have less than a year to live, this should be promptly reported, as it could enable qualifying for Attendance Allowance under special end-of-life rules, potentially at the higher rate.
Other key changes include spending more than four weeks abroad, entering prison, updating personal information (such as name, address, or bank details), wishing to cease benefit claims, changes in a GP or medical professional, and updates on immigration status for non-British citizens. The DWP recommends reaching out to their helpline on 0800 731 0122 with any questions about whether an event affects claim eligibility.
Changes in personal health or ability—such as finding that everyday tasks are taking longer, causing increased pain, or requiring more direct support—should also be reported. This applies to both physical and mental health issues, including the onset of new conditions, poor mental health, learning difficulties, or the development of sensory impairments like hearing or visual loss.
Attendance Allowance supports individuals across more than 50 different health conditions, covering both physical and psychological challenges, as well as those who are terminally ill. Even claimants already receiving payments are encouraged to inform the DWP if they experience a deterioration or a new diagnosis.
The payment structure is determined by the extent of help needed: those requiring help either during the day or at night qualify for the lower rate (£73.90 per week), while those who need support throughout both day and night—or who are terminally ill—may be eligible for the higher amount (£110.40 per week). Recipients are free to use their allowance as they see fit, including hiring assistance for cleaning, gardening, travel, or other essential services.
Importantly, Attendance Allowance does not affect other financial resources such as pensions, savings, or earnings, and may even result in increases to other benefits, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or reductions in Council Tax. The DWP emphasises it is always best to err on the side of caution and report any changes that might impact the payment, as failure to do so could result in overpayments requiring repayment, or worse, legal action.
For full details and up-to-date guidance on Attendance Allowance and the rules around reporting changes, individuals are advised to consult the GOV.UK website or contact the Attendance Allowance helpline directly. Timely and accurate reporting can protect claimants from unnecessary stress and ensure continued access to the support they depend upon.