Around three million people in the UK claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit assists people over the age of 16 and under state pension age who need additional help with daily living tasks or getting around as a result of a long-term illness, disability or mental or physical health condition.
And while claimants must contact the PIP enquiry line for a range of changes to the circumstances, there are six changes that you don't need to update the department about. Successful PIP claimants could receive between £24.45 and £156.90 every week and as PIP is paid every four weeks - this amounts to between £97.80 and £627.60 every pay period, according to a report by the Daily Record.
The benefit is not means-tested and can be paid whether the claimant is working or not, so there is no need to inform the DWP if you:
- 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
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However, guidance on the GOV.UK website 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 six months
You go into hospital or a care home
You go abroad
You are imprisoned or held in detention
The GOV.UK website goes on to warn: “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 have recently moved home or switched to a new doctor, don't put off reporting the change any longer - especially if you are on PIP living in Scotland as Social Security Scotland will use the information the DWP holds on you when you are transferred over the new devolved benefits system.
Here's how to report a change of circumstances to DWP
Before making the call you will need your National Insurance number, bank account details and GP name and address in order for the DWP to verify your identity.
The busiest times to call are on Mondays and weekday evenings between 4pm and 5pm. Calls after 10am, Tuesday to Friday, usually have a shorter hold time.
The PIP enquiry line is closed on April 18, but is usually open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
- 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
To find out more information, visit the GOV.UK website, which is linked here.
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