Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants face having their benefits axed if they fail to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about crucial changes to their circumstances.
Recipients must be aware that alterations to their name, GP, healthcare provider or home address don’t require reporting to the DWP and won’t impact their payments or award – though it’s advisable to keep your details current with the department.
Nevertheless, departing the UK or intending to leave for more than four weeks – including holidays – could jeopardise your entitlement.
Current guidance within the PIP Handbook on GOV.UK explains: « 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. »
Should you be travelling overseas in the coming weeks, ensure you notify the DWP with their requested information immediately – and bear this in mind when arranging summer getaways this year, reports the Daily Record.
How to notify the DWP of circumstance changes
Contact the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 to report circumstance changes – telephone lines operate 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Below is a complete guide covering all circumstance changes and whether DWP contact is necessary.
Changes to daily living or mobility needs
You should inform the DWP if, for instance, you require more or less assistance or support, or if your condition is expected to last longer or shorter than previously reported to the DWP.
Such changes could impact your PIP entitlement, the amount, and the duration of the PIP award.
Leaving the country or planning to leave the country for a period exceeding four weeks – even if it’s for a holiday
This change could affect your eligibility for PIP. The DWP needs to be informed of the date you plan to leave the country, how long you intend to stay abroad, which country you’re visiting, and the reason for your trip.
Hospital stays or similar institutions
According to DWP guidelines, both components of PIP stop being payable 28 days after the claimant is admitted to an NHS hospital. Patients funded privately are not affected by these rules and can continue to receive either component of PIP. If you’re in hospital or a similar institution when your PIP entitlement begins, PIP isn’t payable until you’re discharged.
Care homes
The daily living component of PIP stops being payable after 28 days of residency in a care home where 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 regulations. If a claimant is residing in a care home at the time of entitlement, the PIP daily living component will not be paid until they depart.
Linked spells in hospital and a care home
Hospital stays and care home spells are considered linked if there’s no more than a 28-day gap between them. The same applies to spells in a care home for the daily living component.
The mobility component doesn’t have this link as its payment isn’t affected when in a care home. Both components of PIP cease to be paid after a total of 28 days spent in hospital.
The daily living component of PIP also stops being paid after a total of 28 days in a care home. If a claimant transitions between a hospital and a care home, or vice versa, these periods will also be linked.
Imprisonment or claimant held in legal custody
Changes may occur that affect the amount of PIP payable to the claimant if they’re imprisoned or held in legal custody. The DWP needs to be informed of the date the claimant was taken into prison or legal custody and the expected duration of their stay, if known.
Detained in legal custody
PIP ceases to be payable after 28 days if someone is detained in legal custody. This rule applies regardless of whether the offence is civil or criminal, and whether they’ve been convicted or are on remand.
Regardless of the outcome of proceedings against a person, suspended benefit payments are not refunded. Two or more separate periods in legal custody link if they are within one year of each other.
Change of name
This alteration will not impact payment or eligibility for PIP, but it is 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 will not impact the eligibility or payment of PIP. It’s crucial that the DWP has the most current details for the claimant. They require comprehensive information about the new address the claimant has moved 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 has the most recent information. This ensures that the assessment provider has the correct contact details to collect any additional details they may need.
The DWP requires the full name, address, and contact details of the new doctor or healthcare professional.
You can find complete details about changes of circumstance if you are receiving PIP in the online handbook here.
