Personal Independence Payment claimants do not need to tell the DWP about certain life changes including starting or stopping work
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit available to people over 16 and under State Pension age who require extra assistance with daily activities. Support is also available if you have issues with mobility due to a long-term illness, disability, or mental or physical health condition.
A successful claim for PIP can currently provide between £28.70 and £184.30 per week in additional financial support. Despite the difference in name and welfare administration body, both disability payments are provided at the same rates to avoid creating a two-tier benefits system.
Many claimants 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. However, there are several changes that do not need to be declared, reports the Daily Record.
Changes you do not need to report to DWP
Since PIP is not a means-tested benefit and can be paid whether the claimant is working or not, 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
However, 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
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.
