Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants have been warned they could face court action or financial penalties if they fail to report certain changes to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). PIP is a benefit designed to help people aged 16 and over who have both a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, and find it difficult to carry out certain everyday tasks or get around because of their condition.
The benefit is not means-tested and can be paid whether someone is working or not. Payments are based on how a condition affects an individual rather than the condition itself, and awards can change over time following the DWP’s regular reviews or if a claimant’s circumstances change. Claimants are legally required to inform the DWP of any changes to their situation. The government website also warns: “You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change straight away.”
If you go into a care home, you’ll also need to report if:
- There’s a change to the way your care home fees are funded (for example, you start or stop getting funding from the NHS or local council)
- You were staying in the care home temporarily, and you become a permanent resident
- You move to another care home
- You go into hospital
In addition, you must contact the PIP enquiry line straight away if your personal details change, for example, your name, address, phone numbers, bank account or doctor and if someone is acting on your behalf and that person changes.
Anyone moving from England or Wales to Scotland must contact the PIP enquiry line and make a new claim for Adult Disability Payment (ADP), which has replaced PIP in Scotland.
Changes can be reported by calling the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433, with support available for those who need help using the phone.