If you’re over State Pension age and rely on Attendance Allowance to help cover care needs, there’s one thing you should never ignore: reporting life changes to the DWP. Whether it’s a hospital stay, a trip abroad, or a shift in your daily care routine, forgetting to update your circumstances could cost you up to £441.60 every four weeks—or stop your payments altogether.
Let’s walk through what Attendance Allowance is, how to claim it, and the key mistakes that can risk your benefit—plus some real-world advice and tools to keep your money safe.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to illness or disability. You don’t need to have a carer or meet income requirements—you just need to demonstrate that your condition affects your ability to manage daily life.
Whether it’s help getting dressed, managing medication, or moving around the house, Attendance Allowance provides crucial financial support.
2025/26 Rates
There are two payment levels based on how much help you need:
| Rate | Weekly Amount | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate | £73.90 | Need help during the day or night |
| Higher Rate | £110.40 | Need help both day and night, or terminally ill |
👉 This adds up to £295.60 to £441.60 every four weeks, direct to your bank account.
Who Qualifies?
To claim, you must:
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Be over State Pension age
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Have a physical or mental disability or illness that requires care
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Need support for at least 6 months (unless terminally ill)
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Be living in Great Britain (with few exceptions)
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Not be subject to immigration control
You can still apply even if no one is caring for you—what matters is that you need help, not whether you’re receiving it.
What Can Put Your Payments at Risk?
The DWP expects you to report changes that might affect your eligibility. Here are the top issues that catch people out:
🏥 Hospital or Care Home Stays
If you’re admitted to an NHS hospital or care home and the care is publicly funded, your allowance will pause after 28 days. Forgetting to report this can lead to overpayments you’ll have to repay.
Also Read – Single Retirees Face the Biggest Impact – £325k Pension Gap Triggers Outrage and Urgent Warnings
✈️ Going Abroad
Love to travel? You can still receive Attendance Allowance if you’re abroad—but only for up to 13 weeks (or 26 weeks for medical treatment). Longer stays must be reported, or your benefit may be cut off.
🧍Changes in Your Care Needs
If your condition improves or worsens, your rate may change. Letting the DWP know might mean a bigger payment—or help prevent repayment issues if your condition improves.
🏠 Moving to a Care Home
If your care is paid for by the local authority, your allowance usually stops. If you’re self-funding, you may still qualify, but you must inform the DWP.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step:
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Request a form by calling 0800 731 0122 or download it at GOV.UK.
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Describe in detail how your condition affects your daily life—don’t downplay anything.
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Attach evidence like doctor’s letters or care reports.
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Post the form to the address provided. Always keep a copy.
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Be ready for a follow-up call or assessment.
🗂️ Pro Tip: Use highlighters and bullet points in your form to make your situation clear.
Example: Why Reporting Matters
Brian, 80, from Devon, qualified for the higher rate due to mobility issues. After a fall, he was admitted to hospital for a month but didn’t tell the DWP. His payments stopped—and worse, he had to repay £220 that was overpaid during that time.
However, after his discharge, Brian reported an increased care need and was awarded backdated payments when he reapplied. Reporting accurately worked both ways.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❗ Not informing DWP about hospital or care home stays
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❗ Assuming it’s only for people with professional carers
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❗ Failing to report travel abroad longer than 13 weeks
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❗ Minimizing how much help you really need
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❗ Thinking the rules are the same everywhere (they’re not)
Smart Tips for Managing Your Claim
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🗓️ Keep a care diary to track daily support needs
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📬 Set calendar reminders for hospital stays, trips, or changes
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📞 Use Citizens Advice or Age UK to help with the form
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💾 Save all communications with the DWP
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📈 Track symptoms or care changes that may lead to higher payments
What to Do If Payments Are Reduced or Stopped
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Call the DWP to find out why
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Request a mandatory reconsideration within 1 month
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Appeal to a tribunal if needed—many cases succeed on appeal
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Contact charities or legal aid services for help with the process
💬 Did you know? Around one in three appeals against DWP decisions on disability benefits are successful—don’t give up if you believe you’re entitled.
Also Read – DWP £310 One-Off Payment for Pensioners: Check If You Qualify in 2025
Quick Checklist: What You Must Report
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Hospital or care home admission
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A long trip abroad (more than 13 weeks)
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Change in address or living situation
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Change in health condition or care needs
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Starting or stopping paid or unpaid carers
FAQs
Q: Can I claim Attendance Allowance without a carer?
A: Yes. The benefit is based on your need for care, not who provides it.
Q: Does it stop in hospital?
A: It stops after 28 days in an NHS-funded hospital or care home.
Q: Can I get more help if I receive Attendance Allowance?
A: Yes. You might qualify for extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
Q: Can I challenge a decision if I’m rejected?
A: Absolutely. You can request a reconsideration and, if needed, appeal to an independent tribunal.
Final Word
Attendance Allowance can be a financial lifesaver—but only if you stay informed and up to date. Don’t let a simple oversight cost you hundreds of pounds. Whether you’re applying for the first time or already receiving payments, staying on top of the rules ensures you get the help you need—without disruption.
👉 Check your claim, update the DWP, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. You’ve earned it.
