People claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are being reminded to always report any changes in circumstances to avoid being penalised by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). According to recent figures by the DWP, more than three million people in the UK claim support through PIP. Between April and July, the total figure has soared by more than 52,000.
The figures also showed that just over one in three people on PIP are getting paid the highest level of the award. Those that receive PIP can get paid anywhere between £24.45 and £156.90 per week.
That means people who are living with a long term illness, disability, mental or physical health condition are getting payments of between £97.80 and £627.60 every four weeks. It is, however, expected that many people who claim PIP do not know the list of changes in circumstances that must be reported to the DWP - or they could risk serious repercussions, as reported by the Daily Record.
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If claimants fail to report certain changes in their personal circumstances they could end having their payments paused, issued with a fine and even being taken to court. New PIP claimants may also be unaware that they need to tell DWP if they plan to go abroad for more than four weeks.
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
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
The GOV.UK website also contains 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.
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