Thousands of older people receiving Attendance Allowance are being reminded to check how a lengthy stay in hospital could affect their benefit payments. Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability. While payments usually continue during shorter hospital stays, different rules apply if someone is admitted for more than 28 days.
In most cases, Attendance Allowance payments stop after a claimant has spent 28 days in hospital because the NHS is already meeting the cost of their care. However, the benefit can restart from the day they leave hospital, making it important to tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) when they are admitted and again when they are discharged.
How Hospital Stays Affect Attendance Allowance
The rules can catch families out, particularly when an older relative has spent several weeks in hospital before returning home. If the DWP is not told about a discharge, there could be delays in restarting payments. Another rule that often surprises claimants is that separate hospital stays can be linked together. If someone leaves hospital and is readmitted within 28 days, the stays are usually treated as one continuous period when working out whether Attendance Allowance should be suspended.
The rules also apply if a claimant is moved between hospitals or has several admissions close together, so it is important to keep the DWP updated about any changes.
Claiming After Hospital Discharge
People who are already receiving Attendance Allowance should also remember leaving hospital does not mean they need to make a brand-new claim. If they remain entitled to the benefit, payments can resume once they return home and the DWP has been informed.
Attendance Allowance is currently paid at two weekly rates, depending on the level of help someone needs. The lower rate is paid to people who need frequent help or supervision during the day, or help at night, while the higher rate is for those who need support during both the day and night or who are terminally ill.
Additional Benefits and Support
The benefit can also act as a gateway to other financial support. Receiving Attendance Allowance could mean a carer is able to claim Carer's Allowance if they meet the qualifying conditions, while it may also increase entitlement to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, depending on individual circumstances.
When Attendance Allowance Can Be Affected by a Hospital Stay
You should tell the DWP if you are admitted to hospital, you have been in hospital for 28 days, you are discharged from hospital, or you are readmitted within 28 days of leaving hospital.
Claimants can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline to report a hospital admission or discharge. Having your National Insurance number to hand will help the DWP update your claim more quickly.
