The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a serious reminder to people receiving Attendance Allowance: failing to follow the rules or not reporting important changes could result in payments being stopped.
With nearly 1.7 million people across Great Britain receiving this essential benefit, it is crucial to stay compliant to avoid penalties, overpayment recovery, or even legal action.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit available to people over State Pension age who need help due to a physical or mental health condition.
From April 2025, the payment rates are:
- Lower rate: £73.90 per week – for people who need help either during the day or at night.
- Higher rate: £110.40 per week – for those who need help during the day and at night, or if they are terminally ill.
Payments are made every four weeks, which means recipients can receive either £295.60 or £441.60 each period.
Why the Warning Matters
The DWP has made it clear that not reporting changes in circumstances could lead to:
- Payments being reduced or stopped
- Overpayments being reclaimed
- A £50 penalty for negligence or incorrect reporting
- Possible court action for benefit fraud
For many, Attendance Allowance is a lifeline that helps them remain independent at home, covering expenses such as carers, transport, or home help. Failing to follow the rules could put this crucial support at risk.
When You Must Report Changes
Claimants must immediately contact the Attendance Allowance helpline (0800 731 0122) if any of the following apply:
- Your health condition changes (improves or worsens).
- The amount of daily help you need changes.
- You are admitted to a hospital or care home (provide dates, location, and payment details).
- A doctor has confirmed you may have 12 months or less to live.
- You leave the UK for more than four weeks.
- You are sent to prison.
- You change your name, address, or bank details.
- You decide to stop claiming the benefit.
- Your doctor’s details change.
- Your immigration status changes (if you’re not a British citizen).
If you are unsure whether a change affects your benefit, it’s always best to report it.
Conditions Supported by Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance covers a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. These include:
- Arthritis, back pain, and joint diseases
- Blindness or deafness
- Heart disease, chest disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis
- Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, MS, and motor neurone disease
- Dementia, Alzheimer’s, learning difficulties, and mental health disorders
- Diabetes, cancer, renal disorders, and blood diseases
- Frailty, severe physical disabilities, and terminal illness
Even if you are already claiming, a new condition or worsening of your current condition should be reported.
How Attendance Allowance Helps
The money received can be spent in any way that supports independence. Common uses include:
- Paying for taxis or transport to medical appointments
- Covering household bills
- Paying for a carer, cleaner, or gardener
- Purchasing equipment or aids to make living at home easier
It is also important to note:
- Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so savings and other income do not affect eligibility.
- It does not affect your State Pension.
- It can actually increase entitlement to other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
Attendance Allowance Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total claimants | ~1.7 million in Great Britain |
| Weekly rates (from April 2025) | £73.90 (lower) / £110.40 (higher) |
| Payment frequency | Every 4 weeks |
| Amount per pay period | £295.60 (lower) / £441.60 (higher) |
| Eligibility | Over State Pension age, need help with daily living |
| Must report changes | Condition, daily care needs, hospital stays, trips abroad >4 weeks, prison, personal details |
| Penalties for failing to report | Payments stopped, overpayment recovery, £50 penalty, possible court action |
| Helpline | 0800 731 0122 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm) |
Attendance Allowance provides vital financial support for older people who need extra help in their daily lives. But with strict rules around reporting changes in circumstances, claimants must remain vigilant.
Whether it’s a change in health, a hospital stay, or even a trip abroad, notifying the DWP promptly is essential.
Staying compliant ensures your payments continue without disruption and protects you from penalties or legal action.
FAQs
Can I still claim Attendance Allowance if I have savings?
Yes. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, which means your savings or income will not affect your entitlement.
Will Attendance Allowance stop my State Pension?
No. It does not affect your State Pension and can be claimed alongside it. In fact, it may increase entitlement to other benefits.
What should I do if I’m unsure whether a change affects my benefit?
Always report it to the Attendance Allowance helpline. The DWP can confirm if the change impacts your payments, helping you avoid penalties.