UPDATE: |Not reporting these changes to the DWP could stop PIP payments News

There are a number of changes in circumstances people receiving PIP must tell the DWP about

People receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) must inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of certain changes in circumstances to avoid risking their benefit entitlement, with regular payments potentially being paused or stopped.

It should be noted that changing your name, doctor, health professional, or address is not required to be reported to the DWP, and doing so will not affect your payments or award. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to make sure the information the DWP has on record is current.

However, if you’re planning to leave the country or going abroad for more than four weeks – even for a vacation – this may impact your entitlement to PIP.

According to the latest edition of the PIP Handbook on GOV.UK: “This change may affect the claimant’s entitlement to PIP. We will need to know the date the claimant is leaving the country, how long they are planning to be out of the country, which country they are going to and why they are going abroad.”

For those considering travel outside of the UK in the coming weeks, it is crucial to relay all necessary details to the DWP as promptly as possible, particularly when booking summer holidays this year, reports the Daily Record.

How to report a change of circumstances to DWP

To report any relevant changes, individuals can reach out to the PIP enquiry line by dialing 0800 121 4433 from 9am until 5pm, Monday through Friday.

Changes to daily living or mobility needs

Additionally, a thorough guide on all the changes in circumstances that require notification to the DWP is available.

Changes to your daily living or mobility needs should be reported to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). For instance, if you require more or less assistance, or if your condition is expected to last longer or shorter than previously reported.

These changes could impact your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) entitlement, amount, and duration.

Leaving the country

If you’re planning to leave the country for more than four weeks – even for a holiday – this could affect your PIP entitlement. The DWP needs to know your departure date, how long you plan to be away, your destination, and the reason for your trip.

Stays in hospital or similar institutions

According to DWP guidelines, both components of PIP stop being payable 28 days after admission to an NHS hospital. However, privately funded patients are not affected by these rules and can continue receiving either component of PIP.

If you’re in hospital or a similar institution when your PIP entitlement begins, PIP won’t be payable until you’re discharged.

For those residing in care homes, the daily living component of PIP stops being payable after 28 days if the accommodation costs are covered by public or local funds. However, the PIP mobility component can continue to be paid.

Those who fully self-fund their care home placement are not impacted by these rules. If a claimant is in a care home at the date of entitlement, the PIP daily living component is not payable until they leave.

Hospital stays and care home stays are considered linked if the gap between them is no more than 28 days. The daily living component for spells in a care home is also linked if the gap between them is no more than 28 days.

There is no link for the mobility component because payment is not affected when in a care home. Both components of PIP will cease to be paid after a total of 28 days in hospital.

The daily living component of PIP will stop being paid after a total of 28 days in a care home. If a claimant moves between a hospital and care home, or vice versa, these periods will also link.

Imprisonment or claimant held in legal custody

This change may affect the amount of PIP that can be paid to the claimant if they are imprisoned or held in legal custody. The DWP needs to know the date the claimant was taken into prison or legal custody and the length of time they are expected to be there, if known.

PIP ceases to be payable after 28 days where someone is being detained in legal custody. This applies whether the offence is civil or criminal and whether they have been convicted or are on remand.

Benefit payments that have been suspended are not refunded, irrespective of the proceedings’ outcome against the individual. Two or more separate periods in legal custody link if they occur within a year of each other.

Change of name

This alteration will not impact the payment or eligibility for PIP, but it’s crucial that the DWP has the most current details for the claimant. This change must be reported in writing – if the claimant phones to provide these details, the DWP will request that these details be put in writing. The written notification should include:

• full details of their previous name
• their new name
• details of any changes made to the bank or building society account into which PIP is paid, such as the name of the account or the account number
• their signature on the letter

Change of account PIP is paid into

The DWP requires full details of the name and address of the new bank or building society, along with details of the new account including the name of the account, the account number and the sort code or roll number.

Change of person acting for the claimant

This refers to an appointee or someone with power of attorney for the claimant. This change is important so the DWP can make payments to the correct person at the right time.

They need the full name, address and contact details of the new person who is acting for the claimant. If the person acting for the claimant has moved or has different contact details, the DWP just needs the new details.

Change of address

Provided it’s not a hospital or nursing home, this change won’t impact the eligibility or payment of PIP. It’s crucial that the DWP has the most current details for the claimant. The DWP requires comprehensive information about the new address the claimant has relocated to, including the postcode and the date of the move.

Change of doctor or healthcare professional

This alteration will not affect the payment or eligibility for PIP and is not obligatory once a decision on the PIP claim has been reached.

However, if the change occurs during the claiming stage, it’s vital that the DWP possesses the most recent information. This ensures that the assessment provider has the correct contact details to collect any additional details they might need.

The DWP needs the full name, address, and contact details of the new doctor or health care professional. Complete details about changes of circumstance if you are receiving PIP can be found in the online handbook here.