Recent figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of July, 2022 there were more than three million people across the UK claiming support through Personal Independence Payments (PIP). This was an increase of more than 52,000 since April and also indicated that just over one in three claimants (35%) is receiving the highest level of award.
Of the overall total, 322,387 people living in Scotland are now receiving financial support of between £24.45 and £156.90 each week (2.7m in England and Wales). This means people living with a long-term illness, disability, mental or physical health condition are getting regular payments of between £97.80 and £627.60 every four weeks
Adult Disability Payment has now replaced new claims for PIP in Scotland, with a managed migration process underway from DWP to Social Security Scotland, this process is expected to be completed by 2025. However, many claimants may be unaware of a list of changes in circumstances that must be reported to DWP or risk serious repercussions.
Failing to report certain changes in your circumstances could result in payments being paused, being taken to court or issued with a fine.
While that might sound a bit extreme, often people with 'light touch' reviews of 10 years, may forget to contact DWP with relevant changes in their circumstances.
Similarly, a new PIP claimants may be unaware that you need to tell DWP if you 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
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.”
Which 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.
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.
Find our more information on the GOV.UK website here.
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