People in receipt of a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have been advised of changes they do not need to notify to the DWP when in receipt of the benefit.
PIP can be claimed by people over 16 and under State Pension age who need additional help with daily living tasks or getting around as a result of a long-term illness, disability or mental or physical health condition.
The government has signalled that changes to benefits are on the cards to help cut the ballooning cost of welfare.
However, the system as it stands means that a successful claim for PIP is currently worth between £28.70 and £184.30 each week in additional financial support. There will be a below inflation rise of 1.7 percent in April.
Many claimants may be aware of the list of changes in circumstances that must be reported to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in order for them to continue receiving uninterrupted payments. However, there are several changes that do not need to be declared.
Changes you do not need to report to DWP
PIP is not a means-tested benefit and can be paid whether the claimant is working or not, so there is no need to inform 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
Changes you must report to DWP
Guidance on the GOV.UK website states 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 warns: “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.”
How to report a change of circumstances to 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)
Textphone: 0800 121 4493
Relay UK (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.
