DWP Attendance Allowance update could give £143 a month income boost

The DWP has issued a warning to people receiving Attendance Allowance - the non-means tested benefit that could help older people to stay independent in their own home for longer

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released the latest figures, revealing that over 1.6 million people across Great Britain were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance at the end of February this year. The a tax-free benefit administered by the DWP, is designed to assist older individuals with daily living expenses.

It aims to help them to maintain their independence at home for a longer period. However, it may be necessary for some recipients - those whose condition has deteriorated or who have developed new health issues since their award began - to inform the DWP of any changes in circumstances.

It's crucial not to delay reporting any changes in your condition as it could result in increased payments for those currently on the standard rate. It's worth noting that according to DWP guidelines, if your circumstances alter, the amount you receive from Attendance Allowance may increase or decrease.

For those currently receiving the lower rate of £72.65 per week, your payments could rise by £35.90 to the higher rate of £108.55. This would mean four-weekly payments increasing from £290.60 to £434.20 - an extra £143.60 every pay period.

The guidance also provides several reasons why you should contact them about a change in your circumstances if you are claiming Attendance Allowance, reports the Daily Record.

This includes:

• 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 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
• a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live
• you leave the country for more than 4 weeks
• you go into prison
• you change your name, address or bank details
• you want to stop receiving your benefit
• your doctor’s details change
• your immigration status changes, if you’re not a British citizen

Reporting a change if you need more help

If you feel you require more assistance due to a disability or illness, it may be worth contacting the DWP to report a change. This could be additional help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night - even if you do not currently receive that help.

This might encompass:.

• Assistance with personal care - such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet.
• Help to ensure your safety.

You should also think about reporting a change if you're finding personal tasks increasingly difficult, for instance if they take you a long time, cause you pain, or require physical support like a chair to lean on. However, remember that Attendance Allowance isn't solely for individuals with a physical disability or illness.

Also, consider reporting a change if you need more help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:

• a mental health condition
• learning difficulties
• a sensory condition - if you are deaf or blind

The Attendance Allowance helpline can be reached on 0800 731 0122, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.

Arthritis is the most common condition claimed on Attendance Allowance (29%), with approximately 416,313 people receiving support for it.

However, Attendance Allowance supports more than 50 conditions and even if you're already claiming for one of these, another may have developed or your current condition may have become more debilitating.

Health issues supported by Attendance Allowance

Support is also extended to those who are terminally ill.

• Arthritis
• Spondylosis
• Back Pain – Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified
• Disease of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
• Trauma to Limbs
• Blindness
• Deafness
• Heart disease
• Chest disease
• Asthma
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Peripheral vascular Disease
• Epilepsy
• Neurological Diseases
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson's
• Motor Neurone Disease
• Chronic Pain Syndromes
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Metabolic Disease
• Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
• Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
• Learning Difficulties
• Psychosis
• Psychoneurosis
• Personality Disorder
• Dementia
• Behavioural Disorder
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse
• Hyperkinetic Syndrome
• Renal Disorders
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Bowel and Stomach Disease
• Blood Disorders
• Haemophilia
• Multi System Disorders
• Multiple Allergy Syndrome
• Skin Disease
• Malignant Disease
• Severely Mentally impaired
• Double Amputee
• Deaf/Blind
• Haemodialysis
• Frailty
• Total Parenteral Nutrition
• AIDS
• Terminally ill

How much could I receive on Attendance Allowance?

You could be eligible for £72.65 if you require assistance during the day or at night or £108.55 if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks , which means you could receive either £290.60 or £434.20 each pay period.

The money can be spent as you wish and it could assist you in maintaining independence in your own home for a longer period.

This might include:

• paying for taxis
• helping towards bills
• paying for a cleaner or gardener

Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?

Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings - there's no limit. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have money deducted from any other benefits.

Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?

No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still employed and earning money.

How does Attendance Allowance influence other benefits?

If you receive Attendance Allowance, other benefits you're entitled to may increase. These include:.

• Extra Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit Reduction
• Council Tax Reduction

For comprehensive guidance on Attendance Allowance, visit the GOV. UK website here.