If you claim Attendance Allowance, you'll need to keep an eye on important changes or risk a punishment. Reporting a change in your circumstances is a crucial part of making sure you're following rules.

If your circumstances change, the amount you get from Attendance Allowance may go up or down. You must contact the Attendance Allowance helpline straight away in several circumstances, the government warns.

The DWP says on its website: "You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances."

There are nine reasons to update your information.

Firstly, you need to update any changes on the level of help you need if your condition changes. For example, you'll need to provide details like if the amount of times you need help each day has changed.

The second thing you need to bear in mind is letting them know if 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.

You should also provide an update if a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live.

Other circumstances include if you plan to leave the country for more than four weeks, if you go into prison, if you change your name, address or bank details, or if you want to stop receiving the benefit.

You should also be aware that you will need to inform the government if your doctor's details change or if immigration status changes (if you're not a British citizen).

To contact the Attendance Allowance helpline, you can reach out via phone by calling 0800 731 0122.

You should also remember that if you have been paid too much, you may have to repay the money.

You could be asked to repay the money if you did not report a change straight away, if you gave the wrong information or if you were overpaid by mistake.

By making sure you follow these rules, you can ensure you won't end up with a fine, penalty or other punishment.