How to Report Changes in Your Care Needs After Starting Attendance Allowance

If you are receiving Attendance Allowance in Great Britain and your care needs change, it is important to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Attendance Allowance helps with extra care costs if you have a disability or health condition, and the amount you receive depends on the level of help or supervision you need.

When to Report a Change

You should report any change that affects your care needs or the level of help you require. For example:

• If your condition worsens and you need more frequent or constant supervision during the day or night
• If your condition improves and you require less help or supervision
• If a medical professional has assessed you as nearing the end of life

Reporting these changes ensures that your Attendance Allowance is adjusted correctly, either to a higher or lower rate depending on your current needs.

How to Report Changes

There is no specific online form for reporting changes in Attendance Allowance. You can notify the DWP by:

• Writing to the address shown on your award letter
• Calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 (Relay UK users can dial 18001 then 0800 731 0122)

When you contact them, provide your National Insurance number and details about how your care needs have changed. This will help the DWP decide whether your rate should be adjusted.

What Happens Next

The DWP may ask for more information or medical evidence to support your claim of changed care needs. They will then reassess your entitlement and notify you of any change to your payment rate.

If your circumstances have improved, your payments may be reduced. Conversely, if your needs have increased, you might receive a higher rate.

Important Points to Remember

• Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so changes in your income or savings do not affect your payments and do not need to be reported.
• If you receive other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction, changes in your Attendance Allowance may affect those payments. You should check with the relevant agencies.
• If you also receive Constant Attendance Allowance, your Attendance Allowance may be reduced by the amount of Constant Attendance Allowance you get.
• Keep a record of any correspondence or phone calls with the DWP about your changes in care needs.
• If you disagree with a decision following your report, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration.

For the most accurate and up-to-date advice, always check official communications or contact the Attendance Allowance helpline directly.

Official reference: https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/how-to-claim. Topic-specific official guidance. Always check the latest official guidance. Related forms: Browse our form category.

Important: This article provides general information. Government rules, forms and procedures can change, and this article may not reflect the latest updates. Check current GOV.UK guidance or the relevant authority before relying on it. ITG & Co. is independent and is not affiliated with a government department.