State pensioners face losing up to £407 a month if they fail to report vital information to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
As the cost of living crisis continues, Britons are urged to claim all the benefits they are entitled to.
Attendance Allowance claimants can get £101 each week depending on how severe their condition is.
Attendance Allowance is a benefit payment which is designed to assist recipients with the additional costs that accumulate from having a severe disability.
Specifically, the disability must be deemed severe enough to potentially require someone to look after them.
Although the benefit can be used to provide welcome relief for those struggling, the DWP warns that if any information is exaggerated, or incorrect, there could be severe consequences.
If one’s circumstances change, the amount they get from Attendance Allowance may go up or down.
The DWP stated: “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.”
What counts as a change in circumstance?
On the Government website, they list situations that must be reported.
Britons 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
- you go into a 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
Some may have to repay the money if did not report a change straight away, or they gave the wrong information or they were overpaid by mistake.
The best way people can update the DWP to their circumstance changes is by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122.
A person may want to consider applying for Attendance Allowance if they have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if they do not currently get that help.
An individual may also want to apply if they have difficulties with personal tasks. Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness.
A person may also want to claim if they need 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.
