6 DWP PIP changes you must report to avoid losing your payments
6 DWP PIP changes you must report to avoid losing your payments
The DWP is responsible for administering PIP in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
A successful claim for PIP can now yield between £29.20 and £187.45 per week
(Image: WalesOnline/ Rob Browne )
People are being advised of a number of changes they must report to the DWP to keep a disability benefit. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit available to individuals over 16 and under the State Pension age who require extra assistance with daily activities or mobility due to a long-term illness, disability, or mental or physical health condition.
A successful claim for PIP can now yield between £29.20 and £187.45 per week, equating to £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Both of these disability benefits aim to alleviate the additional costs associated with living with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition.
While many recipients may be aware of the list of changes in circumstances that must be reported to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure uninterrupted payments, there are several changes that do and do not need to be declared.
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Changes you do not need to report to the DWP
Since PIP is not a means-tested benefit and can be received regardless of employment status, there is no need to notify 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
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Changes you must report to the DWP
However, according to guidance on the GOV.UK website, 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
The GOV.UK website issues a stern warning: "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 circumstance," reports the Daily Record.
How to report a change of circumstances to the DWP
Before making the call you will need your National Insurance number, bank account details and GP name and address in order for the DWP to verify your identity.
Telephone: 0800 121 4433 (option 5)
0800 121 4433 (option 5) Textphone: 0800 121 4493
0800 121 4493 Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4433
(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.
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