People claiming Personal Independence Payments are being urged to contact the government and report some key changes if noticed.
The benefit is available for people over the age of 16 who are also under the State Pension age requiring any additional help with daily living tasks. This include needing help to get around due to a long-term illness, disability, or physical or mental health condition.
In order to make sure your scheduled payment don't get interrupted, it's important to know which circumstances you should keep an eye on. If certain circumstances change, it's important that you report it to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as it may affect your payments, the Daily Record reports.
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However, not all changes need to be declared. That's why we've compiled the six changes you must report to the DWP as soon as possible.
What you don't need to declare
PIP is not a means-tested benefit 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
What the DWP needs to know
According to the government, you must contact the PIP enquiry line if any of the following apply to you:
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 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.”
How to report a change of circumstances to DWP
Firstly, you should ensure that you have 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 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
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