Introduction
Are you unsure about how to renew your Attendance Allowance claim? This guide will help you understand the renewal process and ensure you continue receiving the support you need. We’ll walk you through what to expect from the renewal letter, how to complete the claim form, and what to do if your allowance has ended. If you need assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide guidance and help you navigate your legal concerns with ease. Remember, Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
If you receive Attendance Allowance, it’s important to know that your payments may be awarded for a specific period or indefinitely. If your allowance is for a fixed time, you will need to renew your claim before that period ends to continue receiving support. Let’s break down what you need to do to ensure your Attendance Allowance continues without interruption.
Understanding Your Renewal Letter
About four months before your Attendance Allowance is set to end, you should receive a renewal letter and a new claim form from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This letter will specify your renewal date, which is crucial. Make sure to complete and return the claim form before this date.
If you send your form back on time and your claim is approved again, there won’t be any break in your payments. However, if you submit the form late, your payments will only restart from the date the DWP receives your new claim form. Therefore, it’s wise to act quickly and fill out the form as soon as you receive it, as it can take some time to complete.
What If You Don’t Receive a Renewal Letter?
If you haven’t received your renewal letter and your Attendance Allowance is due to end in the next two months, don’t panic. You still need to reapply. Contact the DWP’s Attendance Allowance helpline to request a renewal claim form. Here’s how you can reach them:
- Attendance Allowance Helpline
Telephone: 0800 731 0122
Textphone: 0800 731 0317
Relay UK: Dial 18001 followed by 0800 731 0122 (for those who cannot hear or speak on the phone)
Video Relay: Connect here if you use British Sign Language (BSL).
The helpline operates Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 6 pm, and calls are free from both landlines and mobiles.
Completing the Renewal Claim Form
The renewal claim form is similar to your original claim form, which means it can take some time to fill out. If you kept a copy of your original form, it can be a helpful reference. If you didn’t keep a copy, don’t worry! You can get assistance from Contend’s legal expert chat, where highly trained AI legal experts will help you complete the form or provide the guidance you need.
What to Know About Indefinite Awards
If you were awarded Attendance Allowance for an indefinite period, it doesn’t mean you’ll receive it forever. The DWP may still want to review your claim if there are changes in your circumstances. It’s important to inform them if:
- Your condition improves or worsens
- You go into the hospital
- You move into a care home
For more details on how changes can affect your allowance, check the DWP guidelines.
If Your Attendance Allowance Has Ended
If your Attendance Allowance stopped less than two years ago, you can reapply for the same condition without needing to meet the six-month qualifying period again. Just contact the DWP helpline and mention that your previous allowance ended less than two years ago.
However, if your allowance ended more than two years ago, you’ll need to submit a new claim. In this case, your previous claim won’t be considered, and you will have to meet the six-month qualifying period along with all other eligibility criteria.
Next Steps
If you need help filling out the Attendance Allowance claim form, there are resources available to guide you through the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support to ensure you get the assistance you’re entitled to.
For further assistance, remember to contact the Attendance Allowance helpline or try Contend’s legal expert chat for personalized help. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
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