Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit available to people over 16 and under State Pension age who require extra assistance with daily activities or mobility
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for those over 16 and under State Pension age who need extra help with daily tasks or mobility due to a long-term illness, disability, or mental or physical health condition.
A successful PIP claim can result in weekly payments ranging from £29.20 to £187.45, which translates to £116.80 or £749.80 every four weeks.
Both disability benefits are designed to help cover the additional costs associated with living with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition.
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 ensure continuous payments, there are several changes that do not need to be declared, according to the Daily Record.
Changes you do not need to report to DWP
PIP is not a means-tested benefit and can be paid whether the recipient is working or not, so there is no need to inform the DWP if you:
- Change roles at work – unless the amount of help you need has changed
- Stop claiming other benefits
- Start a new job
- Leave a job
- Take retirement
- Are made redundant
Changes you must report to DWP
However, official guidance 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 are imprisoned or held in detention
- The help you need or your condition changes
- You go into hospital or a care home
- Your personal details change – for example, your name, address or doctor
- You go abroad (for more than four weeks)
The GOV.UK website further warns: “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’ve recently moved house or switched to a different GP, don’t put off informing them of the change any longer.
Especially, if you’re receiving PIP whilst residing in Scotland, as Social Security Scotland will use the records the DWP keeps about you during your transition to the new devolved benefits system.
How to notify DWP of a change in circumstances
Prior to making the telephone call, you’ll require your National Insurance number, banking details and your GP’s name and address so the DWP can 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.