DWP payments could see some Brits get £146 extra each month

Nearly 1.7 million people across Great Britain were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance as of August last year, the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has revealed. This benefit, typically paid every four weeks, amounts to either £295.

60 or £441.60 each pay period. The tax-free Attendance Allowance , provided by the DWP , is designed to help older individuals with daily living expenses, potentially allowing them to maintain their independence at home for a longer period.



Those whose health conditions have deteriorated or who have developed new health issues since their award began could find it beneficial to inform the DWP about these changes in circumstances - especially if they are on the lower rate. It's vital not to postpone reporting any changes in your condition as this could lead to increased payments for those currently on the standard rate. DWP guidance indicates that if your circumstances change, the amount you receive from Attendance Allowance may increase or decrease, reports the Daily Record .

If you're currently receiving the lower rate of £73.90 per week, your payments could increase by £36.50 to the higher rate of £110.

40. This would result in a monthly rise of £146, from £295.60 to £441.

60. The guidance also provides several reasons why you should inform them about a change in your circumstances if you're claiming Attendance Allowance . These include: you go into prison your doctor’s details change you leave the country for more than four weeks a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live your immigration status changes, if you’re not a British citizen you want to stop receiving your benefit you change your name, address, or bank details the level of help you need or your condition changes - you’ll need to provide details such as if the amount of times you need help each day has changed you go into 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 If you find it increasingly difficult to complete personal tasks because they take a long time, cause pain, or require physical support like a chair to lean on, you should also consider reporting a change.

Attendance Allowance isn't just for people with a physical disability or illness. If you require more assistance or supervision throughout the day or night due to a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or a sensory condition - such as being deaf or blind - you should also consider reporting a change. For assistance, you can reach out to the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122, available from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Comprehensive information about reporting a change can be found on the GOV.UK website here. Arthritis tops the list of conditions claimed for on Attendance Allowance , with nearly a third (29 per cent) or roughly 483,376 people receiving support for it.

Despite this, Attendance Allowance caters to over 50 conditions. So, even if you're already claiming for one, you may have developed another or your existing condition could have deteriorated. Disease of the muscles, bones or joints Back pain – other/precise diagnosis not specified Learning difficulties Multiple sclerosis Arthritis Trauma to limbs Deaf/blind Motor Neurone Disease Renal disorders Cystic fibrosis Multiple allergy syndrome Deafness Chronic pain syndromes Asthma Major trauma other than traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia Frailty Severely mentally impaired Dementia Metabolic fisease Parkinson's AIDS Epilepsy Double amputee Chest disease Traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia Multi system disorders Heart disease Haemodialysis Haemophilia Spondylosis Inflammatory bowel disease Psychoneurosis Skin disease Hyperkinetic syndrome Malignant disease Bowel and stomach disease Psychosis Neurological diseases Personality disorder Alcohol and drug abuse Cerebrovascular disease Blindness Blood disorders Terminally ill Behavioural disorder Diabetes mellitus Peripheral vascular disease Total parenteral nutrition You could be eligible for £73.

90 if you need help during the day or at night, or £110.40 if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, meaning you could receive either £295.

60 or £441.60 each pay period. The money can be used however you wish and could assist you in maintaining independence in your own home for longer.

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