DWP PIP changes that you have to report - or risk having payments stopped

Recipients of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) must inform the Department for Work and () about certain changes in their circumstances to avoid disruptions to their benefits, including potential pauses or cessation of payments.

It's key to note that alterations such as changing your name, doctor, health professional, or address are not required to be reported to the DWP and will not affect your payments or award - however, keeping your details current with the DWP is recommended.

On the other hand, if you intend to leave the UK for more than four weeks - even for a holiday it may impact your entitlement. The latest PIP Handbook available on GOV.UK articulates: "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."

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For those planning international trips in the coming weeks, it's imperative to relay the requisite information to the DWP promptly. It's also wise to bear this in mind when arranging summer holidays this year, reports .

How to report a change of circumstances to DWP

You should ring the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433 to notify them of a change of circumstances. The helpline operates from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.

A detailed guide is available regarding all the changes in circumstances and whether they necessitate contacting the DWP.

Changes to daily living or mobility needs

You must 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 you previously informed the DWP.

Such a change could impact your eligibility for PIP, as well as the amount and duration of the PIP award.

Leaving the country

This alteration could affect the claimant's entitlement to PIP. The DWP needs to be informed of the date the claimant is leaving the country, the length of their planned stay abroad, the country they are visiting, and the reason for their trip.

Stays in hospital or similar institutions

According to DWP guidelines, both components of PIP stop being payable 28 days after the claimant is admitted to an hospital.

Patients funded privately are not subject to these rules and can continue to receive either component of PIP.

If a claimant is in hospital or a similar institution when their PIP entitlement begins, PIP is not payable until they are discharged.

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. The PIP mobility component can continue to be paid.

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

Hospital stays and care home spells are linked if there is no more than a 28-day gap between them. However, this does not apply to the mobility component as its payment is not affected when in a care home.

Both components of PIP will cease after a total of 28 days in hospital, while the daily living component will stop after a total of 28 days in a care home. If a claimant moves 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 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 expected duration of their stay, if known.

PIP stops being payable after 28 days if someone is detained in legal custody, regardless of whether the offence is civil or criminal, and whether they have been convicted or are on remand.

Suspended benefit payments are not reimbursed, regardless of the outcome of proceedings against the individual. Two or more separate periods in legal custody are linked if they occur within a year of each other.

Change of name

This alteration will not impact 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 calls to provide these details, the DWP will request them in written form.

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 new bank or building society, including the name and address, 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 updated information.

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 process, 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 might 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