Latest news with #DWP
Metro
8 hours ago
- General
- Metro
Here's how you can find out if you're owed money from your state pension
Most of the people impacted by this are women (Picture: Getty Images) Listen to article Listen to article Your browser does not support the audio element. Thousands of people could have missed out on payments towards their state pension. Parents and carers who took time off work to look after children before 2010 may not have received all of the state pension payments they were owed. This is due to gaps in their National Insurance records – and only about 12,300 people have received their back payments. The gap in payments has been linked to Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) – Metro explains what that is and how to find out if you're due some cash. What is Home Responsibilities Protection? HRP was designed to help parents and carers build up their state pensions while out of work to look after children or disabled adults. Those affected are being sent letters – but you can also check your eligibility online (Picture: Getty Images) The scheme was in place between 1978 and 2010. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page HRP was replaced by National Insurance credits in 2010, which automatically protect state pension entitlement if you claim child benefit and provide your NI number. What caused the error and how has it been fixed? These credits weren't properly recorded on people's National Insurance records in many cases – especially if child benefit claims made before May 2000 didn't include a NI number. This means some people may now be receiving a smaller state pension than they should – and the impact is mainly being felt by women. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are working together to try and fix the problem. They are identifying people affected by missing HRP credits and updating their National Insurance records, so their state pension can be recalculated. In its 2024 annual report, the DWP estimated about 194,000 could be affected by the HRP error. It set aside £1.15billion to try and fix the problem. As of March 31 of this year, a total of 12,379 people have been repaid an average of £8,377. Why haven't eligible people claimed back their cash? You could be owed thousands (Picture: Getty Images) Letters have been sent out to people who are already over the state pension age, while HMRC continues to contact others who might be eligible. The government thinks it could take until 2027-8 to fully reimburse everyone who is owed money. Very few people who have received a letter about the error have gone on to make claims – and the government found many of those didn't understand the letters or recognise the term HRP. Others were worried the letter could be a scam, and some found the online process of claiming difficult to navigate. How do you check if you're eligible? There are plenty of eligible people who simply assumed they would not be eligible for the cash. If you're unsure, you should use the online checker to find out. You don't have to have received a letter to check your record. If you are eligible, HMRC will update your record and the DWP will recalculate how much state pension you are entitled to. Those already over state pension age and unable to apply online should call the National Insurance helpline on 0300 200 3500. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: Make money from your living room with these 7 investing tips for absolute novices Arrow MORE: Schools should teach money management after teens turn to AI for help, parents say Arrow MORE: Warning as building society to cut interest rates on dozens of accounts
South Wales Argus
14 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
DWP Universal Credit £50 fine warning for benefit claimants
Since October 2012, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has had the power to impose fines on benefit claimants who receive overpayments as a result of not informing authorities of a change in circumstances. The 'civil penalty' is £50 and will be added to the amount of the overpayment and will be recovered by the same method. In order to avoid an overpayment, you should let the DWP know of any change in circumstances that may affect your benefits, including changing your name, moving house, or having a new addition to the family. What is Universal Credit? If the Government believes you deliberately did not tell them of a change in circumstances in order to receive an overpayment, you could be prosecuted for benefit fraud. Why could you be fined £50 by the DWP? Turn2Us, a national charity providing help for people who struggle financially, explained what could cause a £50 civil penalty. They explained that for a civil penalty to apply, the overpayment must: have happened after 1 October 2012, and be an amount of £65.01 or more, and be recoverable. How to Save Money on Your Energy Bill The overpayment of benefit also must have been caused by a person: making an incorrect statement, or negligently giving incorrect information, and that person not taking 'reasonable steps' to correct the error. A civil penalty will not be applied if the DWP decides to take action under benefit fraud provisions. Recommended reading: The charity also explained how you can challenge the £50 fine. They said: 'If you agree that you have been overpaid but you don't think you should have been given a civil penalty you can challenge the decision to give you a civil penalty. 'You will first have to request Mandatory Reconsideration of the decision. You have one month to request Mandatory Reconsideration. You should explain why you think you should not have been given a civil penalty. 'If the DWP do not change their decision, you can appeal to an Independent Tribunal. You only have one month from the date of the DWP's decision on your request for Mandatory Reconsideration to request an appeal.'
North Wales Live
14 hours ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
DWP lists four groups of people most likely to retain PIP payment of £749
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently confirmed alterations to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from November 2026, affecting both new and existing claimants. Current claimants will only be affected by these changes at their next review, post the November implementation date. Recent figures revealed that over 1.5 million (41%) of all 3.7 million PIP claimants have received an award for five years or longer. As of the end of January, approximately 1,501,215 individuals in England, Wales, and overseas, are receiving ongoing awards for disabilities, long-term illnesses, or physical or mental health conditions. Over 58% of individuals claiming PIP for a visual disease receive a monthly award of up to £749 for five years or more. Over half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%), such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have been granted a longer award, along with 49.5% of people with a neurological condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. Those considering a new application for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) should note that awards can range from nine months to 10 years. The Department for Work and Pensions data indicates that some awards last 'five years or longer', according to the Daily Record. The latest PIP Handbook outlines that decision makers will assess Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards considering the impact of a claimant's health condition or disability on their everyday life and autonomy. The handbook clarifies: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances." Claimants should be aware that, as per DWP guidelines, most will face regular reviews of their PIP award "regardless of the length of the award" to ensure they receive the appropriate level of support. While some individuals might secure fixed-term awards for up to two years without subsequent reviews – typically in cases where an improvement in health is foreseeable – others may be granted ongoing awards with 'light touch' reviews. These 'light touch' reviews are designated for claimants who meet specific criteria, with the DWP stating: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review." A 'light touch' review generally applies to those who have: very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age Current PIP and Adult Disability Payment (ADP) rates span from £29.20 to £187.45 weekly, which translates to between £116.80 and £749.80 every four weeks. Annually, recipients of the top-tier awards could see up to an extra £9,747. It is important to remember that the upper limit of £749.80 is predicated on someone receiving the highest possible amounts for both the daily living and mobility components of the benefit. It's crucial to note that people with various health conditions can receive PIP for five years or more, depending on how their condition affects them. The following conditions have the highest percentage of claimants receiving awards for five years or longer, as of January 2025's end: Visual disease 58,685 34,692 General Musculoskeletal disease 682,391 341,434 50.8% Neurological disease 468,113 230,412 Respiratory disease 138,376 64,835 Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) 19,542 8,697 Regional Musculoskeletal disease 426,038 185,916 44.6% Total number of PIP claimants 3,694,536 1,501,215 41% Who could be eligible for PIP or ADP? To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months If you've been having difficulties with daily living or mobility (or both) for three months and expect these challenges to continue for at least nine months, you might qualify for help. Usually, you need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition, if your condition necessitates or results in needing assistance with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP: eating, drinking or preparing food washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence dressing and undressing talking, listening, reading and understanding managing your medicines or treatments making decisions about money mixing with other people working out a route and following it physically moving around leaving your home Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the website. The DWP will evaluate how you cope with daily living and mobility tasks. They will assess each task based on specific criteria. How are PIP and ADP paid out? PIP and ADP are typically paid every four weeks, unless you're terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. Payments are directly transferred into your bank, building society, or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. An assessment is required to determine the level of financial assistance you'll receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you're receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP consists of two components: Daily living Mobility The component(s) you receive and the amount depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Standard: £73.90 Enhanced: £110.40 Mobility Standard: £29.20 Enhanced: £77.05 How you are assessed An independent healthcare professional will assess you to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to note that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here. How do you make a claim for PIP? You can initiate a new claim by reaching out to the DWP, all the necessary information for application is available on the website.
Wales Online
16 hours ago
- Health
- Wales Online
DWP £441 payment due in days if you suffer from one of 57 common health conditions
DWP £441 payment due in days if you suffer from one of 57 common health conditions The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers a payment of more than £110 a week to certain people with specific health conditions - and it's due to increase in line with inflation this year This month individuals with certain health conditions are being urged to verify their eligibility for a vital support payment (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) This month individuals with certain health conditions are being urged to verify their eligibility for a vital support payment. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) identifies 57 medical conditions that could make you eligible for a payment of £441 every four weeks. The DWP provides an attendance allowance to those with a disability severe enough to require another person's assistance for care. The amount you receive depends on the level of care your disability necessitates. If you're physically or mentally disabled, or of state pension age or older, you might qualify for this payment. Like other benefits, the attendance allowance saw an increase in April. Last November, the government announced that state benefits would rise by 1.7% from April. This means that from April 2025, if you qualify, you'll have more money in your pocket. Here's everything you need to know about the attendance allowance, including how to apply and how much you could receive. What is attendance allowance? Attendance allowance is a benefit provided if your disability is severe enough that you need someone to help take care of you. It's paid at two different rates, and the amount you get depends on the level of extra care you need. Attendance allowance isn't determined by your income or savings, and it doesn't cater to mobility needs. However, other benefits you're receiving could see an increase if you qualify for attendance allowance. The lower rate is granted if you need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night. The higher rate is given if you require assistance or supervision both day and night, or if a healthcare professional has suggested that your life expectancy might be less than 12 months. In April 2024, both rates experienced a 1.7% rise after the DWP adjusted most benefits in line with September's CPI inflation figure. In 2025/26 the Attendance Allowance rates are £110.40 per week for the higher rate and £73.90 per week for the lower rate. The payment is given every four weeks which adds up to around £441 in a four-week period. What health issues could make you eligible for attendance allowance? The DWP provides a list of common health conditions that might qualify you for attendance allowance. They are as follows: Arthritis Spondylosis Back pain – other/precise diagnosis not specified Disease of the muscles, bones or joints Trauma to limbs Visual disorders and diseases Hearing disorders Heart disease Respiratory disorders and diseases Asthma Cystic fibrosis Cerebrovascular disease Peripheral vascular disease Epilepsy Neurological diseases Multiple sclerosis Parkinson's disease Motor neurone disease Chronic pain syndromes Diabetes mellitus Metabolic disease Traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia Major trauma other than traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia Learning difficulties Psychosis Psychoneurosis Personality Disorder Dementia Behavioural disorder Alcohol and drug abuse Hyperkinetic syndrome Renal disorders Inflammatory bowel disease Bowel and stomach disease Blood disorders Haemophilia Multi system disorders Multiple allergy syndrome Skin disease Malignant disease Severely mentally impaired Double amputee Deaf/blind Haemodialysis Frailty Total parenteral nutrition AIDS Infectious diseases: viral disease - Covid-19 Infectious diseases: viral disease - precise diagnosis not specified Infectious diseases: bacterial disease – tuberculosis Infectious diseases: bacterial disease – precise diagnosis not specified Infectious diseases: protozoal disease – malaria Infectious diseases: protozoal disease – other/precise diagnosis not specified Infectious diseases - other / precise diagnosis not specified Cognitive disorder - other / precise diagnosis not specified Terminally Ill Unknown How can I apply for attendance allowance? You can apply for attendance allowance by post click here. You'll receive notes along with a form guiding you on how to fill it out. Article continues below Send the completed form to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance. There's no need for a postcode or a stamp. You can ring the attendance allowance helpline to request a copy of the form in different formats, such as braille, large print or audio CD. The helpline number is 0800 731 0122 and it operates from 8am to 6pm. Discover everything else you need to know about attendance allowance here.
Wales Online
16 hours ago
- Health
- Wales Online
DWP full list of PIP groups most likely to lose payments under new rules
DWP full list of PIP groups most likely to lose payments under new rules The DWP has now conducted analysis of PIP claimants who did not score four points in at least one daily living activity in 18 of the most common disabling conditions The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) predicts that changes to the eligibility rules for the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will lead to 370,000 current claimants losing their entitlement during the financial year 2029/30. The impact assessment, released in March, also forecasts that 430,000 future PIP claimants will not qualify for the disability benefit once the reforms are implemented, resulting in an average annual loss of £4,500 each. The DWP has carried out an analysis of PIP claimants who did not score four points in at least one daily living activity across 18 of the most prevalent disabling conditions. These conditions were selected as they represent the largest proportions of PIP caseloads. Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, disclosed the findings of the analysis in a written response to Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins. Sir Timms stated: "A breakdown of the impact of the reforms on disability overall has been published as part of an Equality Analysis of the Spring Statement package of measures", reports the Daily Record. He added: "Data on the health conditions of Universal Credit claimants being placed in the LCWRA has been published and will continue to be taken into account in the future programme of analysis." The DWP Minister concluded: "Analysis of those who do not score four points in at least one daily living activity for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has now been undertaken." He went on to explain that the table of findings "shows the volume of claimants with the 18 most common disabling conditions in receipt of the PIP daily living component in January 2025, as well as the volume and proportion of these claimants who were awarded less than four points in all 10 daily living activities." DWP analysis of current daily living awards The DWP's notes on this analysis clarify that the category for health conditions is determined by the primary health condition recorded on the PIP Computer System at the time of the latest assessment. While many claimants have more than one health condition, only the primary condition is used for analysis purposes. Provided below is a list detailing PIP health conditions alongside the number of recipients receiving the PIP daily living component, as well as those granted fewer than four points in all daily living activities as of the end of January 2025. Arthritis - 279,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points. Other Regional Musculoskeletal Diseases - 136,000 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points. Chronic Pain Syndromes - 173,000 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points. Cardiovascular Diseases - 61,000 claimants, 38,000 (62%) scored less than 4 points. Respiratory Diseases - 83,000 claimants, 45,000 (55%) scored less than 4 points. Multiple Sclerosis and Neuropathic Diseases - 80,000 claimants, 38,000 (48%) scored less than 4 points. All Other Conditions - 272,000 claimants, 126,000 (46%) scored less than 4 points. Other Neurological Diseases - 97,000 claimants,35,000 (36%) scored less than 4 points. Cerebrovascular Diseases - 56,000 claimants, 19,000 (34%) scored less than 4 points. Cancer - 70,000 claimants, 23,000 (33%) scored less than 4 points. Epilepsy - 36,000 claimants, 11,000 (30%) scored less than 4 points. Other Psychiatric Disorders - 90,000 claimants, 25,000 (28%) scored less than 4 points. Cerebral Palsy and Neurological Muscular Diseases - 47,000 claimants, 11,000 (24%) scored less than 4 points. Psychotic Disorders - 112,000 claimants, 26,000 (23%) scored less than 4 points. ADHD / ADD - 75,000 claimants, 14,000 (19%) scored less than 4 points. Autistic Spectrum Disorders - 206,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points. Learning Disabilities - 188,000claimants, 7,000 (3%) scored less than 4 points. Other disabling condition groups which cover smaller proportions of the PIP caseload are covered in the 'Other Conditions' category. This includes: Visual Diseases Other General Musculoskeletal Diseases Endocrine Diseases Hearing Disorders Gastrointestinal Diseases Genitourinary Diseases Skin Diseases Autoimmune Diseases (Connective Tissue Disorders) Infectious Diseases Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder or Biliary Tract Haematological Diseases Metabolic Diseases Multisystem and Extremes of Age Diseases of the Immune System Anxiety and Depression Anxiety disorders - Other / type not known Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Stress reaction disorders - Other / type not known Generalised anxiety disorder Phobia - Specific Phobia - Social Agoraphobia Panic disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Anxiety and depressive disorders - mixed Conversion disorder (hysteria) Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) Dissociative disorders - Other / type not known Somatoform disorders - Other / type not known Depressive disorder Bipolar affective disorder (Hypomania / Mania) Mood disorders - Other / type not known Daily living component for PIP You might get the daily living component of PIP if you need help with: eating, drinking or preparing food washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence dressing and undressing talking, listening, reading and understanding managing your medicines or treatments making decisions about money mixing with other people How difficulty with tasks is assessed The DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task, the DWP will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment The descriptors Your ability to carry out each activity is measured against a list of standard statements describing what you can or cannot do. These are known as the descriptors. The health professional will advise the DWP which descriptor applies to you for each activity. The Citizen's Advice website has a whole section dedicated to this along with a downloadable guide to all the points awarded for each response - you can view this here. An example they use is there are six descriptors for 'Dressing and undressing', ranging from 'Can dress and undress unaided' to 'Cannot dress or undress at all'. Each descriptor carries a points score ranging from 0 to 12. Using aids or appliances Your ability to carry out the daily living activities and the mobility activities will be assessed as if you were wearing or using any aids or appliances it would be reasonable for you to use. This applies whether or not you normally use those aids or appliances. However, if you use or need aids and appliances, this can help you to score more points - find out more here. Citizens Advice explains: 'An aid is any item which improves, provides or replaces impaired physical or mental function. It doesn't have to be specially designed as a disability aid. Examples include a stool you need to sit on when cooking, or a walking stick to help you stand.' Daily living scores Citizens Advice explains to get the daily living component of PIP, you must have a physical or mental condition that limits your ability to carry out some or all of the activities below. The maximum amount of PIP points that can be awarded for that question are shown. Daily living activity: Preparing food - 8 Taking medication - 10 Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition - 8 Washing and bathing - 8 Managing toilet needs or incontinence - 8 Dressing and undressing - 8 Communicating verbally - 12 Reading and understanding symbols and words - 8 Engaging with other people face to face - 8 Making budgeting decisions - 6 Points and payment rates After answering all the daily living activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP After answering all the mobility activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP The latest DWP figures show that at the end of January there were 3.7 million PIP claimants across Great Britain. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has previously said more than 1,000 PIP claims are being awarded per day, making the argument for welfare reforms to ensure the system is sustainable for the future. The proposed changes will come into force in November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. Reforms also include increasing the number of face-to-face assessments. At present, most are being conducted remotely over the phone, by video call, or paper-based. However, there will be no freeze on PIP payments, which will continue to be non-means-tested, and rise in-line with the September inflation rate. There will be no changes to the mobility component. Article continues below You can complete the UK Government's consultation on proposed changes to PIP and the benefits system on here.
