£434 Department for Work and Pensions payments could be lost due to rule changes. The DWP has issued a warning to those who receive Attendance Allowance, a benefit for older people who need help with daily living, as they could lose out.
State pensioners have been urged to report changes in circumstances – because failing to do so could see benefits axed. Official guidance warns: “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.”
You must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline straight away if a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live, you plan to leave the country for more than 4 weeks or your immigration status changes, if you’re not a British citizen.
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You must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline straight away if 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, too.
You must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline straight away if you change your name, address or bank details, your doctor’s details change or 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.
You must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline straight away if you go into prison or if you want to stop receiving your benefit. The lower rate is £72.65 a week (£3,778 a year). You’ll get this if you need help or supervision during EITHER the day OR the night.
The higher rate is £108.55 a week (£5,644 a year). You’ll get this if you need help or supervision during both the day AND the night, or if a medical professional has said you have 12 months or less to live.