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DWP warning for people on Attendance Allowance as payments could be stopped
DWP warning for people on Attendance Allowance as payments could be stopped
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a benefit paid to people who need help with personal care or supervision during the day or night because of a disability, illness or injury.
Who is eligible for Attendance Allowance?
To be eligible for Attendance Allowance, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be aged 65 or over
- You must have a physical or mental disability, illness or injury that means you need help with personal care or supervision during the day or night
- You must be expected to need help for at least 6 months
- You must not be receiving any other benefits for the same needs, such as Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance
How much is Attendance Allowance?
The amount of Attendance Allowance you receive depends on the level of help you need. There are two rates:
- Lower rate: £61.85 per week
- Higher rate: £92.40 per week
How do I claim Attendance Allowance?
You can claim Attendance Allowance by filling in a claim form, which is available from the Department for Work and Pensions website or by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122. The form is also available in Welsh.
The deadline to claim Attendance Allowance is three months after the end of the tax year in which you became eligible, although you can claim earlier if you want.
What happens after I claim Attendance Allowance?
Once you have claimed Attendance Allowance, the Department for Work and Pensions will send you a letter to confirm your claim and tell you if you have been awarded the benefit. If you have been awarded Attendance Allowance, the payments will be made into your bank account every four weeks.
What if my Attendance Allowance payments stop?
If your Attendance Allowance payments stop, you should contact the Department for Work and Pensions immediately. The payments may have stopped for a number of reasons, such as:
- You have not met the eligibility criteria
- You have not provided enough evidence to support your claim
- You have been overpaid Attendance Allowance
The Department for Work and Pensions will investigate why your payments have stopped and will let you know the outcome.
What if I disagree with the decision to stop my Attendance Allowance payments?
If you disagree with the decision to stop your Attendance Allowance payments, you can appeal the decision. You should contact the Department for Work and Pensions to start the appeals process.
The appeals process is complex, so it is important to seek advice from a benefits adviser or other expert if you are considering appealing.