Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be claimed by people who need additional help with daily living tasks
PIP claimants do not need to inform the DWP about every change to their circumstances, official rules show. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be claimed by people over 16 and under State Pension age who require extra assistance with daily living activities or mobility due to a long-term illness, disability or mental or physical health condition.
In Scotland, the benefit has been replaced by Adult Disability Payment (ADP), which follows similar eligibility criteria as PIP. A successful claim for PIP or ADP currently provides between £29.20 and £187.45 each week in additional financial support.
That equates to between £116.80 and £749.80 every four-week payment period. Both disability benefits are offered at the same rates – despite the difference in name and welfare administration body – to avoid a two-tier benefits system, reports the Daily Record.
While many recipients may be familiar with the list of changes in circumstances that must be reported to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to continue receiving uninterrupted payments, there are several changes that do not need to be declared.
Changes you do not need to report to DWP
PIP is not a means-tested benefit and can be paid whether the claimant is working or not, so there is no need to inform the DWP if you make any of these six changes:
- You are made redundant
- You leave a job
- You change roles at work – unless the amount of help you need has changed
- You take retirement
- You stop claiming other benefits
- You start a new job
Changes you must report to DWP
However, guidance on the GOV.UK website states you must contact the PIP enquiry line if:
- 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
- Your personal details change – for example, your name, address or doctor
- The help you need or your condition changes
The GOV.UK website further notes: “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.”
Therefore, if you’ve recently relocated or changed to a different GP, don’t delay reporting the alteration any longer – particularly if you’re receiving PIP in Scotland, as Social Security Scotland will rely on the information held by the DWP when you’re moved to the new devolved benefits system.
How to notify DWP of a change in circumstances
Before placing the call, you’ll require your National Insurance number, bank account details and GP name and address for the DWP to confirm 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.
