The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can stop people’s benefit claims for a number of reasons – one of which being if a change of circumstance isn’t reported when it should have been. One of the benefits affected by this rule is Attendance Allowance – the benefit paid to people over the State Pension age who need extra help or supervision because of a disability or illness. However, this additional welfare payment can be stopped by the DWP for failure to report certain changes of circumstance, such as changing your name or leaving the country, reports the Mirror . The benefit is designed to help with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition and to provide support for those who live independently but might otherwise need to go into residential care. What makes Attendance Allowance unique is that claimants don’t need to have someone caring for you in order to claim – for example, you can spend the money on things that keep you independent, such as paying for taxis or a cleaner. Payments of the benefit come in at 拢73.90 a week if you need help or supervision during the day, or supervision at night, or 拢110.40 a week if you need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or if you鈥檙e nearing the end of your life. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE However, if your circumstances have changed, you need to let the DWP know, as it could affect how much Attendance Allowance you’re entitled to. You should let the DWP know if: If your condition has changed, you should contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122, or 0800 731 0317 for Textphone. For Relay UK , the number is 18001 then 0800 731 0122. You can use the British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you鈥檙e on a computer. Attendance Allowance is paid every four weeks by the DWP, which means you could receive either 拢295.60 or 拢441.60 every pay period. It is not a means-tested benefit and it does not matter if you have any money in savings. Attendance Allowance is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the benefit cap. Other benefits you already get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance. You won’t be able to Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead. You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.