Thousands of people receiving Attendance Allowance could be missing out on a significant increase to their weekly payments by failing to report crucial changes in their circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
What changes must you report?
There are two specific situations where reporting a change can lead to a higher payment. The benefit, which is only available to people over the state pension age of 66, currently offers two rates: £73.90 per week at the lower rate and £110.40 per week at the higher rate.
1. A worsening condition
The first circumstance involves a change in your health. If your physical or mental disability worsens, meaning you now require a greater level of care or supervision, you could be eligible for the higher payment.
When contacting the DWP, you will need to provide clear details about how your daily needs have increased. This could include requiring more frequent help with personal care or needing supervision for longer periods for your safety.
2. A terminal diagnosis
The second circumstance applies if you receive a terminal diagnosis. Under the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL), if a doctor or other healthcare professional states you have 12 months or less to live, your benefit can be fast-tracked and increased to the highest rate.
This system is designed to ensure people nearing the end of their lives get financial support quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy. It also waives the usual six-month qualifying period for needing care.
However, the DWP acknowledges that predicting life expectancy can be difficult. They advise that if a medical professional hasn't discussed this with you directly, you can still ask them to support your claim under these special rules.
Who is eligible for Attendance Allowance?
To qualify for Attendance Allowance, you must have reached the state pension age, which is currently 66. Furthermore, all the following conditions must apply to your situation:
- You have a physical disability, a mental disability, or a long-term health condition.
- Your condition is severe enough that you need help caring for yourself or require supervision for your safety or the safety of others.
- You have needed this level of help for at least six months (unless applying under the special rules for end of life).
It is important to note that, despite the name, you do not need to have a carer already in place to make a claim. The money is paid directly to you, and you can spend it on things that help you live independently, such as adaptations for your home, rather than being required to hire an attendant.
For full details on how to report changes or to understand more about the Special Rules for End of Life, visit the official GOV.UK website.
