Introduction
Are you receiving Attendance Allowance and unsure about what changes you need to report? This guide will help you understand the important updates you should communicate to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure you receive the correct amount of support. Timely reporting can make a significant difference in your allowance and avoid potential overpayment issues. If you have any questions or need assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to help you navigate your legal concerns. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK, ensuring you get the guidance you need.
If you are receiving Attendance Allowance, it’s essential to keep the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) updated about any changes in your circumstances. These changes can impact the amount you receive, so it’s important to report them as soon as possible.
When to Contact the DWP
You should reach out to the DWP’s Attendance Allowance helpline if any of the following situations apply to you:
- Your health condition improves or worsens.
- The level of care or assistance you require changes.
- You are admitted to the hospital for more than 28 days.
- You move into a care home or residential facility.
- You relocate abroad, even if it’s just temporarily.
- You are incarcerated.
If you return to the hospital or a care home within 28 days of leaving, those stays will be considered connected. It’s crucial to inform the DWP if you go home at all during this time, even for a short visit.
How to Report Changes
To report any changes, simply call the Attendance Allowance helpline at:
- Telephone: 0800 731 0122
- Textphone: 0800 731 0317
- Relay UK: If you have difficulty hearing or speaking, you can use Relay UK by dialing 18001 followed by 0800 731 0122.
For those who use British Sign Language (BSL), you can also communicate via video relay. Learn how to use video relay here.
The helpline is available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm, and calls are free from landlines and mobiles.
Why Timely Reporting Matters
It’s crucial to inform the DWP about any changes as soon as you become aware of them. Reporting changes promptly can potentially increase your Attendance Allowance, and delaying this could mean missing out on additional funds. Conversely, if you report late and your allowance decreases, you may face overpayment issues and have to repay the DWP.
Special Considerations for Hospital Stays
If you are hospitalized, keep the DWP informed about your admission and discharge dates. Attendance Allowance stops after 28 days in the hospital, but you will begin receiving it again on the day you leave. When counting your hospital days, remember not to include the day you go in or the day you come out.
If you are frequently hospitalized within a 28-day period, those stays will be linked together. For example, if you go into the hospital on January 1 and leave on January 12, that counts as 10 days. If you return to the hospital on January 19, those stays are linked, and the total will accumulate until you reach 28 days.
Living in a Care Home
If you are in a care home, it’s also important to keep the DWP updated about your stays. You can still receive Attendance Allowance even if you are paying for your care. For instance, if you stay in a care home from Monday to Friday but return home for the weekend, you would receive Attendance Allowance for the days you are at home.
Special Cases for Terminal Illness
If you are terminally ill and live in a hospice, you can still qualify for Attendance Allowance. For more information on claiming Attendance Allowance under these circumstances, be sure to check the relevant guidelines.
Conclusion
Keeping the DWP informed about your situation is crucial for ensuring you receive the correct amount of Attendance Allowance. If you’re ever uncertain whether a change affects your allowance, it’s always better to report it. Doing so can help you avoid complications and ensure you receive the support you need.
For any legal questions or concerns regarding your situation, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
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