22 January 2024 , 12:36
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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could stop your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - and could even take you to court - if you do not report these changes.
PIP is a disability benefit and it is paid to people with long-term mental or physical health problems or disabilities. The amount of benefit you receive depends on how your condition affects you - not the condition itself. PIP is not a means-tested benefit - so you can claim it even if you are working.
This means you do not need to tell the DWP about changes in your employment status, however, there are certain changes which will need to be reported. The DWP warn claimants on the PIP guidance page on Gov.uk saying: "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."
To help claimants, the DWP has listed all the changes you need to report, these include:
- Your details change - for example your name, address or doctor
- The help you need or your condition changes
- Your condition has worsened and you are not expected to live more than 12 months
- You go into hospital or a care home
- You go abroad
- You're imprisoned or held in detention
- Your immigration status has changed, if you are not a British citizen
Citizens Advice says if you are not sure whether a change may impact your claim, then it is worth telling the DWP anyway.
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PIP is made up of two components - a daily living rate and a mobility rate - and you can be entitled to both payments. These are then split again, into the standard rate and the enhanced rate. If you are eligible for both enhanced rates you could receive payments of £691 each month.
How do I report changes to the DWP?
You can report changes to your PIP claim s in several different ways. You can call the DWP using the PIP helpline for free on 0800 121 4433. This line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. You can also write to the DWP to report the change. This correct address will be on your PIP letters. You can also call the PIP helpline and ask for the correct address to send your report.
Citizens Advice says you should try and keep a written record of when you report the changes just in case the DWP disagrees that a change has been reported. If you report the change by phone, make a note of what you said and when you called. If you write to report the change, keep a copy of the letter.