People who claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP) must report changes in their circumstances - but there are some things you don't need to declare.
When you claim benefits, you usually have to report all changes in circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as it could affect your entitlement to the money or how much you get.
Changes in circumstances can include if you move in with someone, getting married, getting divorced, having a child, moving house, starting a job etc.
However, for those claiming PIP, there are some life changes that do not need to be declared.
PIP is a benefit for people over 16 and under the State Pension age and is available for those who need additional help with daily living tasks as a result of a long-term illness, disability or mental or physical health condition.
Because PIP is not a means-tested benefit, it is not affected by how much you work or by your income.
So this means you do not need to report some of the bigger changes which can happen in your life like when claiming other benefits such as Universal Credit.
Changes you do not need to report to DWP
If you are claiming PIP, you do not need to report these changes to the DWP:
- 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
Changes you must report to DWP
There are some things you must report to the DWP however, and 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 (for more than four weeks)
- You are imprisoned or held in detention
your immigration status has changed, if you’re not a British citizen
The DWP website says you could be taken to court or given a fine if you do not report these types of changes.
You could also be penalised if you provide the wrong information.
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.
You can report the changes by calling the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 - this line is open weekdays from Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm.
You can contact through textphone on 0800 121 4493.
If you cannot hear or speak through the phone then you can contact the PIP enquiry line through Relay UK on 18001 then 0800 121 4433.
You are allowed to have others contact the DWP on your behalf - however you will need to be with them when the call is being made.
