Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions shows that there were more than three million people across the UK claiming support through Personal Independence Payments at the end of July 2022. The figures found that this was an increase of more than 52,000 since April, and that 35% of claimants were recieving the highest level of award.
There is now 2.7 million people in England and Wales recieving financial support between £24.45 and £156.90 each week, as well as over 322,000 people in Scotland. This means that people living with a long-term illness, disability, mental or physical health condition are getting regular payments every four weeks between £97.80 and £627.60 reports The Daily Record.
New claims for PIP in Scotland has been replaced by Adult Disability Payment, with a managed migration process underway from DWP to Social Security Scotland. This process is expected to be completed by 2025.
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However, many claimants are unaware of a list of changes in circumstances that have to be reported to the DWP, or individuals could face serious repercussions, as failing to report certain changes could result in payments being paused, being taken to court or fines issued.
Additionally, new PIP claimants may also be unaware that they need to tell DWP if they plan to go abroad for more than four weeks.
Change of circumstances
Guidance on GOV.UK states that you must contact the PIP enquiry line if:
- your personal details change, for example your name, address or doctor
- the help you need or your condition changes
- your condition has worsened and you’re not expected to live more than 6 months
- you go into hospital or a care home
- you go abroad
- you’re imprisoned or held in detention
- your immigration status has changed, if you’re not a British citizen
On the GOV.UK website there is also an important warning that states: “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.” This means that if you have recently moved home or switched to a new health practice, do not put off reporting the change any longer.
When you might have to repay money received
You may have to repay money you have received if you:
Did not report a change straight away
Gave wrong information
Were overpaid by mistake
Find out how to repay the money you owe from benefit overpayment here.
How to report a change of circumstances to DWP
Before making the call you will need your National Insurance number, bank account details and your GP name and address in order for the DWP to verify your identity. The PIP enquiry line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and can be contacted via telephone on 0800 121 4433 (option 5) or by textphone at 0800 121 4493.
If you cannot hear or speak on the phone you can use relay UK at 18001 then 0800 121 4433. Additionally, Video relay service for British Sign Language (BSL) users can be found here.
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