PIP: How long it really lasts and how you can lose it

Around 2.9 million people in the UK were estimated to be claiming personal independence payments (PIP) as of January this year. PIP is given to claimants who qualify for additional financial assistance if they have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.

The exact amount an individual gets depends on the extent to which their condition affects everyday tasks or moving around. According to the DWP, which administers the payments, nearly three million people are receiving between £24.45 and £156.90 each week through PIP. The benefit is paid every four weeks so this amounts to between £97.80 and £627.60 every payment period.

Although PIP can be given indefinitely - such as if you have a condition that is unlikely to improve - it is often given for a fixed period, and you are usually subject to some form of review to see if your circumstances have improved, according to the Daily Record. Here's what you need to know about how long you can get PIP, what happens with reviews and how you could have your payments stopped.

How long will I receive PIP for?

PIP is made up of two parts - a daily living component and a mobility component. You may be able to claim one or both of these depending on your circumstances. When applying you will be asked a series of questions to assess your condition and its impact on your life. Read more about this here.

If you have claimed for PIP and received an award letter, it will tell you what components you are entitled to and how much you will receive. This letter will also tell you how long you will get this paid for. If you are awarded PIP for a fixed period, you will be invited to reapply before the award comes to an end.

This is usually one, two, three or five years depending on the severity of your condition. If you're awarded PIP for a fixed time of more than two years, the DWP will usually review your award before it ends. They’ll renew it if they decide you can still get PIP.

If you receive either or both enhanced rates of PIP and your health condition is unlikely to improve, you may be given an ongoing award of PIP in what is referred to as a ‘light touch’ review - this means your award will be reviewed every ten years. You must keep this award letter in a safe place as it is proof of your entitlement.

Is the amount of PIP I receive reviewed?

Your award of PIP may be reviewed by the DWP at any time - usually every 12 months - even if you have an award for a fixed amount of time. In some cases, when the DWP reviews your claim, you may receive a letter. This will ask you to complete and return an attached PIP review form before the date shown on the letter.

If you don’t send the form back in time, the DWP will stop your claim unless you have a good reason for sending it in late. You will need to tell them why you sent the form late. However, if you know you are going to be late returning the letter, you can call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 and advise them of this, and ask for more time to complete it. When the DWP receives your PIP review form, they will decide whether your claim should stop or continue.

What if my situation changes?

Your PIP award may change if something in your life changes. For example, if your health gets better, your PIP may go down or stop. If your health gets worse, your PIP award may increase. It is up to you to tell the DWP when your condition gets better or worse.

If you don’t tell the DWP at the time, you could miss out on benefits that you are entitled to or you could be overpaid benefits that you would have to pay back.

Can I challenge a decision if I am not happy?

You can challenge a decision about your PIP claim - this is called asking for mandatory reconsideration. Details about this can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

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