Individuals receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) must alert the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if there are certain changes in their circumstances to ensure continuation of their benefits, with the risk of regular payments being halted. It’s important to be aware that not all changes need to be reported; updates such as a new name, a change of doctor or health professional, or a new address won’t affect PIP payments.
However, leaving the UK for more than four weeks, even for a holiday, can have an impact on PIP entitlements. The 2024 edition of the PIP Handbook on GOV.UK clearly states: “This change may affect the claimant’s entitlement to PIP. We will need to know the date the claimant is leaving the country, how long they are planning to be out of the country, which country they are going to and why they are going abroad.”
As some may consider a longer vacation to chase some winter sun, it is vital to keep the DWP informed – an important reminder for anyone making travel plans.
Those who need to report a change can reach out to the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433, available between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.Moreover, here’s a comprehensive guide on all the changes you need to inform the DWP about, including any alterations to daily living or mobility needs, reports the Daily Record.
Changes in daily living or mobility needs
For example, you should notify the DWP if you need more or less help or support, or if your condition is expected to last longer or shorter than you previously told the DWP. This change could affect your PIP entitlement, the amount, and the duration of the PIP award.
Leaving the country for more than four weeks
If you’re leaving the country or planning to leave for more than four weeks – even for a holiday – this could impact your PIP entitlement. The DWP needs to know your departure date, how long you plan to be away, which country you’re visiting, and why you’re going abroad.
According to DWP guidelines, both components of PIP stop being payable 28 days after the claimant is admitted to an NHS hospital. However, privately funded patients are not affected by these rules and can continue to receive either component of PIP.
Extended hospital stay
If a claimant is in hospital or a similar institution when their PIP entitlement begins, PIP is not payable until they are discharged. The daily living component of PIP stops being payable after 28 days of residency in a care home where the accommodation costs are covered by public or local funds.
The PIP mobility component can continue to be paid. People who fully self-fund their placement are not affected by these rules.
Care homes and linked spells in hospital
If a claimant is in a care home when their PIP entitlement begins, the PIP daily living component is not payable until they leave. Linked spells in hospital and a care home.
Hospital stays and care home periods are deemed connected if the gap between them is no more than 28 days. However, there’s no such link for the mobility component as payment isn’t affected when in a care home.
Both components of PIP will stop being paid after a total of 28 days in hospital. The daily living component of PIP will cease to be paid after a total of 28 days in a care home.
If a claimant moves between a hospital and care home, or vice versa, these periods will also link.
Imprisonment or legal custody
If a claimant is imprisoned or held in legal custody, this may affect the amount of PIP that can be paid to them. The DWP needs to know the date the claimant was taken into prison or legal custody and the length of time they are expected to be there, if known.
PIP ceases to be payable after 28 days where someone is being detained in legal custody. This applies whether the offence is civil or criminal and whether they have been convicted or are on remand.
Suspended payments of benefit are not refunded regardless of the outcome of proceedings against the individual. Two or more separate periods in legal custody link if they are within one year of each other.
Change of name
A change of name will not affect payment or eligibility for PIP, but it is important the DWP has the most up-to-date details for the claimant.
Claimants must report any change in circumstances in writing to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), even if they’ve already phoned to provide these details. The letter should include: full details of their previous name, their new name, and any changes made to the bank or building society account into which Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is paid, such as the name of the account or the account number, along with their signature.
Change of payment account
If there’s a change in the account where PIP is paid into, the DWP needs comprehensive details of the new bank or building society, including the name and address, as well as specifics of the new account like the name of the account, the account number, and the sort code or roll number.
Change of someone acting for the claimant
In case there’s a change in the person acting for the claimant, such as an appointee or someone with power of attorney, this is crucial so that the DWP can ensure payments are made to the correct individual at the right time. They need the full name, address, and contact details of the new person who is acting for the claimant.
If the person acting for the claimant has moved or has different contact details, the DWP just needs the updated information.
Change of address
A change of address, unless it’s a hospital or nursing home, won’t affect eligibility or payment of PIP. However, it’s important that the DWP holds the most current details for the claimant.
Claimants are required to provide full details of their new address, including the postcode and the date they moved.
Change of doctor or healthcare professional
Changes in doctor or healthcare professional will not impact the payment or eligibility for PIP and is not obligatory once a decision on the PIP claim has been reached.
However, if this change occurs during the claiming process, it’s crucial that the DWP is provided with the most current information. This ensures that the assessment provider has the correct contact details to collect any additional information they might need.
The DWP requires the complete name, address, and contact details of the new doctor or healthcare professional .Comprehensive information about changes in circumstances for those receiving PIP can be found in the online handbook here.
