Personal Independence Payment is a benefit that helps with the additional costs of living with a long-term impairment or health condition for people over 16 and under State Pension age
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit available to individuals over 16 and under the State Pension age who require additional assistance with daily tasks or mobility due to a long-term illness, disability, or mental or physical health condition.
Claimants are required to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about significant changes in their circumstances to avoid losing their benefits. This covers developments such as health improvements or declines, address changes, or hospital stays.
Successful claims for PIP can now yield between £29.20 and £187.45 per week, equating to £116.80 or £749.80 every four weeks. Both of these disability benefits aim to assist with the extra costs associated with living with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health conditions.
While many claimants may be aware of the list of changes in circumstances that must be reported to the DWP to ensure uninterrupted payments, there are several changes that do not need to be declared, reports the Daily Record.
Because PIP is not means-tested, it is paid regardless of whether the claimant is working or not, so it is not necessary to tell the DWP if you find or lose employment.
Changes you do not need to report to DWP
You do not need to tell the DWP if you:
Changes you must report to DWP
However, guidance on the GOV.UK website states you must contact the PIP enquiry line if:
- Your personal details change – for example, your name, address or doctor
- The help you need or your condition changes
- Your condition has worsened and you’re not expected to live more than six months
- You go into hospital or a care home
- You go abroad (for more than four weeks)
- You are imprisoned or held in detention
The GOV.UK website goes on to warn: “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.”
So, if you have recently moved home or switched to a new doctor, don’t put off reporting the change any longer.
How to report a change of circumstances to DWP
Before making the call you will need your National Insurance number, bank account details and GP name and address in order for the DWP to verify your identity.
- Telephone: 0800 121 4433 (option 5)
- Textphone: 0800 121 4493
- Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4433
- Video relay service for British Sign Language (BSL) users – check you can use the service here.