Change of Circumstances: Attendance Allowance Guide

Reporting changes when you are receiving Attendance Allowance

Introduction

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit designed to provide support for individuals with disabilities who need help with personal care. If you are of State Pension age or over and your disability affects your daily life, you may be eligible to receive Attendance Allowance. The benefit is intended to help with the extra costs of personal care, whether you need supervision during the day or at night.

The process of claiming Attendance Allowance can seem daunting, but the Attendance Allowance helpline is available to guide you through each step. If you are awarded Attendance Allowance, it’s important to understand how the benefit works and to be aware that any change in your circumstances—such as your health, living situation, or personal details—could affect your entitlement. Keeping up to date with your claim ensures you continue to receive the right level of support for your needs.

Have the circumstances in which you applied for Attendance Allowance changed?

When you are receiving Attendance Allowance it is really important to review periodically whether your circumstances remain the same as when you applied or if they have changed.

A change of circumstance could be as simple as a 'change of address' or if you move GP Surgerys for example but a change in your health is also a change of circumstance.

If you are feeling better, or indeed worse, the level of Attendance Allowance you receive may go up or down.

For example, if you are currently receiving the higher rate of the allowance but your health has improved and you no longer need the same amount of help as before you might not be eligible for the higher rate any more and you might, therefore, be placed onto the lower rate of Attendance Allowance.

If you currently receive the lower rate of Attendance Allowance and you condition has become much worse then you may well be entitled to the higher rate of the allowance.

Because there are financial penalties for claiming too much Attendance Allowance it's really important to review your circumstances regularly. 

Benefit Answers can help, we regularly help clients review their circumstances to make absolutely sure the level of Attendance Allowance they receive is right for them.

 

What is a change of circumstance?

This is a list of all the ways your circumstances might change that are relevant for your Attendance Allowance claim:

• Your health condition changes (gets worse or improves) and the level of help you need changes,
• You go into hospital,
• You go into a care home,
• You leave the country for more than four weeks,
• You go into prison,
• You change your name, bank details or address,
• You no longer want to receive Attendance Allowance,
• Your doctor's details change (new surgery address, different doctor),
• Your immigration status changes (if you are not a British Citizen).

Eligibility may differ if you live in Northern Ireland.

If you have a severe illness or are nearing the end of life, you may qualify under special rules, which can speed up your claim.

You must have needed help for at least six months to qualify, unless special rules apply.

To apply, you need to fill in a claim form. The form must be filled accurately and returned within six weeks of receiving it.

Attendance Allowance is paid directly into your account, so you must provide correct account details.

If you receive too much in payments, you may need to repay any overpaid money.

Attendance Allowance is not counted as income for most other benefits, but it may affect your entitlement to other benefits.

You may receive official communications from the department, such as a letter confirming your award.

Accessible communication options are available, including using sign language to contact the service.

Going into hospital or a care home

If you go into hospital or a care home while you are receiving Attendance Allowance you need to call the Attendance Allowance helpline to let them know.

This doesn't automatically mean you will stop receiving Attendance Allowance but the DWP still need to know.  

You'll be asked to provide details such as the date you entered hospital or care and the date you left hospital or care.  You will also be asked to evidence how the stay was paid for.

You do not need to inform the Attendance Allowance helpline if you attended hospital for a checkup or a routine appointment but you do need to inform them if you go into hospital unexpectedly and stay there for a period of time.

 

I've been paid too much Attendance Allowance

If you have received too much benefit because your circumstances have changed, you may be required to pay some or all of it back.

This would be the case if:

• You did not report a change immediately,
• Gave incorrect information,
• Were overpaid by mistake.

Eligibility for Benefits

To claim Attendance Allowance, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. You need to be a British or Irish citizen, or have the appropriate immigration status, and be of State Pension age or older. Your eligibility is also linked to your current circumstances, so it’s important to keep your details up to date.

Changes such as moving to a new address, changing your doctor’s details, or any updates to your immigration status can all affect your Attendance Allowance claim. If your circumstances change, you should report these changes to the Attendance Allowance helpline as soon as possible to make sure you continue to receive the correct amount of benefit.

If you are unsure about your eligibility or need help with the claiming process, the Carers Service can provide further information and support. Keeping your details accurate and reporting any changes promptly will help ensure your benefit is not affected and that you continue to receive the support you are entitled to.

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