Personal Independence Payment is a benefit paid to people over 16 who need help with daily living tasks and getting around because of a disability ,long-term illness or mental health condition.
The Department for Work and Pensions could pay you anything between £23.60 and £151.40 per week to help with these additional costs, usually paid every four weeks.
The amount of PIP you receive depends on how your condition affects you and not the condition itself - reports the Daily Record.
But many claimants don't know about a list of changes in circumstances that must be reported or you could face serious repercussions.
As the New Year starts it's a good time to make sure your financial affairs are all in order, so you can start 2021 without any worries.
Guidance on the GOV.UK website states that claimants 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
You’re imprisoned or held in detention
The GOV.UK website also contains an important warning that states: “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.”
Which means that if you have recently moved home or switched to a new doctor, do not put off reporting the change any longer.
You may have to repay money you have received if you:
Did not report a change straight away
Gave wrong information
Were overpaid by mistake
Find out how to repay the money you owe from benefit overpayment here.
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 your GP name and address in order for the DWP to verify your identity.
The busiest times to call are on Mondays and weekday evenings between 4pm and 5pm. Calls after 10am, Tuesday to Friday usually have a shorter hold time.
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The PIP enquiry line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, although hours may differ over the New Year period.
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.
