Brits are being urged to notify the DWP of any essential changes (Image: Getty Images)
People who receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP) could face sanctions if they don’t promptly inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about certain changes to circumstance. It’s crucial for those on PIP to let DWP know of nine specific changes – to avoid seeing payments stoped.
While minor updates such as name changes, switching doctors, healthcare providers, or addresses do not need to be reported, people who are planning to go abroad for more than four weeks must get in touch, as this could impact PIP eligibility.
Part of the 2024/25 PIP Handbook on GOV. UK states: “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.”
Reporting a change to the DWP
For those looking to jet off on holiday, it’s imperative to reach out to DWP with important information as soon as possible. To report any significant life shifts, one should contact the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433, operational from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.
If you need more or less help, or if your condition is expected to last longer or shorter than previously reported to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), it’s vital to let them know. Such changes could affect your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) entitlement, amount, and duration, according to the Daily Record.
Here are the circumstances in which you must contact DWP – or risk PIP payments being halted – as well as other important information DWP should know:
Leaving the country for more than four weeks
If you’re planning to leave the country for more than four weeks, even for a holiday, this could impact your PIP claim. The DWP needs to be informed of your departure date, how long you plan to be away, your destination, and the reason for your trip.
As per DWP guidelines, both components of PIP stop being payable 28 days after admission to an NHS hospital. However, patients funded privately can continue receiving either component of PIP.
READ MORE Warning to anyone claiming 10 DWP benefits as payments to stop
Hostpital stays
If you’re in a hospital or similar institution when your PIP entitlement begins, PIP isn’t payable until discharge. The daily living component of PIP stops being payable after 28 days of residency in a care home where accommodation costs are covered by public or local funds.
The PIP mobility component can still be paid. Those who fully self-fund their placement aren’t affected by these rules.
Care home
If you’re in a care home when your PIP entitlement starts, the daily living component isn’t payable until you leave.
Hospital stays are deemed connected if the gap between them is no more than 28 days. Similarly, the daily living component for periods in a care home also links if the gap between them is no more than 28 days.
However, there is no link for the mobility component as 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 legal custody
If a claimant is imprisoned or held in legal custody, this may affect the amount of PIP that can be paid to them. 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.
Suspended payments of benefit are not refunded regardless of the outcome of proceedings against the individual. Two or more separate periods in legal custody link if they are within one year of each other.
Change of name
A change of name will not affect payment or eligibility for PIP, but it is important the DWP has the most up-to-date details for the claimant.
Claimants are reminded that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) requires any changes to be reported in writing. If you try to relay this information over the phone, you’ll be asked to submit it in written form.
The written notification should include your full previous name, new name, any changes to the bank or building society account where your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is deposited, such as alterations to the account name or number, and your signature on the letter. .
Change of account PIP is paid into
If there’s a change in the account where your PIP is paid into, the DWP needs comprehensive details of the new bank or building society, including the name and address, along with specifics of the new account like the account name, number, and sort code or roll number. .
Change of person acting for claimant
Changes regarding the person acting on behalf of the claimant, such as an appointee or someone with power of attorney, are crucial so that the DWP can ensure payments are made correctly and on time. They require the full name, address, and contact details of the new representative.
If the representative has moved or their contact details have changed, only the new information is needed.
Change of address
A change of address, unless it’s a hospital or nursing home, won’t affect eligibility or payment of PIP. However, it’s vital that the DWP has the most current details for the claimant.
It’s essential to provide comprehensive details of the new address, including the postcode and the date of the move if there’s a change in residence.
Change of doctor/healthcare professional
Furthermore, any changes in doctor or healthcare professional must also be reported.
This modification won’t affect the payment or eligibility for PIP and isn’t mandatory once a decision on the PIP claim has been made. However, if this change happens during the claiming process, it’s vital that the DWP is given the most up-to-date information.
This ensures that the assessment provider has the correct contact details to gather any additional information they might require. The DWP needs the full name, address, and contact details of the new doctor or healthcare professional.
