Changes in your circumstances can alter your benefits entitlement, but a number of simple mistakes can also put your PIP payments in jeopardy
PIP offers crucial financial aid and opens doors to a variety of other support for nearly 3.7 million individuals in England and Wales alone. With up to £749 on offer each month, any sudden cessation or reduction of these payments can blow a gaping hole in household finances.
There are numerous reasons why the DWP might adjust someone’s benefit payments. In relation to PIP, one of the most common causes is a shift in the claimant’s condition or needs, meaning they no longer fit the eligibility criteria for the disability benefit.
Changes in your living circumstances can also trigger a stop or cut in your benefits. For instance, if you’re hospitalised or in a care home for 28 consecutive days, your payments will be put on hold, but should automatically resume once you’re discharged. Even while in a care home, the mobility component of PIP will continue to be paid as usual, according to Citizens Advice.
Another scenario where this benefit could be reduced is due to inadequate communication with the DWP, such as failing to return a review form. if you’re in contact with the DWP, they may grant you extra time to submit the documents, stopping your benefits from going off-track.
If you fail to show up for a medical assessment, your benefits will be halted until you attend one. You can arrange another assessment with the DWP and if it’s determined that you’re still entitled to the benefit, they’ll backdate your payment to cover the period you missed out on.
Travelling abroad can also affect your benefit payments. If you’re overseas for more than 13 weeks, your PIP payment might be stopped. This limit is extended to 26 weeks if you’re abroad for medical treatment. If you plan to be away for over four weeks, you must notify the DWP before you depart. More information is available on the Gov.uk website.
In cases where you’ve been accused of benefit fraud, your payments could be suspended or reduced while the investigation is ongoing. This measure is taken to limit potential overpayments if the allegations prove to be true.
If you’ve previously received overpayments, which can occur due to various reasons, your future payments may be cut as the DWP recoups the money. The specifics of how much and for how long your benefit will be reduced will be detailed in a letter from the DWP.
Some PIP payments cease simply because individuals have reached the end of their fixed-term award and haven’t filled out the review form, or because they’ve reached state pension age.
Reaching the age of 66 doesn’t necessarily put a halt to your PIP payments, according to Turn2Us. However, it might prevent some from renewing their claim.
If you fail to renew your claim within a year of your award ending after reaching state pension age, you’ll need to apply for Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment instead. While PIP could see you pocketing up to £749 each month if you’re eligible for both enhanced components, both Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment only offer a maximum of £441 monthly.