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.
Successful claims for either PIP can result in recipients receiving between £28.70 and £184.30 each week in extra financial support. Despite the difference in name and administering body, both disability payments are provided at the same rates to avoid creating a two-tier benefits system.
While many claimants may be aware of the list of changes in circumstances that must be reported to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure uninterrupted payments, there are several changes that do not need to be declared, reports the Daily Record.
Changes you don’t need to report
Changes you do not need to report to DWP include:
- Start a new job
- Stop claiming other benefits
- Change roles at work – unless the amount of help you need has changed
- Leave a job
- Are made redundant
- Take retirement
Changes you must report to DWP
However, guidance on the GOV.UK website states you must contact the PIP enquiry line if:
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Your personal details change – for example, your name, address or doctor
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The help you need or your condition changes
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Your condition has worsened and you’re not expected to live more than six months
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You go into hospital or a care home
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You go abroad (for more than four weeks)
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You are imprisoned or held in detention
The GOV.UK website 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.”
Therefore, if you’ve recently moved house or changed doctors, don’t delay reporting the change. Before making the call to report a change of circumstances to DWP, ensure you have your National Insurance number, bank account details and GP name and address ready for the DWP to confirm your identity.