Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants who fail to disclose certain changes to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) risk having the benefit revoked - and being taken to court.
PIP can be claimed by those over the age of 16 and under the State Pension age, and is aimed at those who require additional financial assistance to assist with the costs of day-to-day tasks due to a physical or mental condition.
Between £23.70 and £152.15 is available to claimants each week, depending on the amount of financial help that is deemed necessary, and this sum is normally sent over every month.
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Those who receive the benefit may not be aware that there is a list of changes that the DWP must be informed of, and they could find themselves in serious trouble if they don't.
Claimants should check to ensure that all of the information that the DWP holds about them is correct and up-to-date.
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 for more than four weeks
You’re imprisoned or held in detention
The GOV.UK website 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 health practice, 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.
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.
Find our more information on the GOV.UK website here.
