The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is advising people receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland, to report any changes in their health condition.
Since PIP and ADP payments are based on how a disability affects daily life and mobility, rather than a specific diagnosis, even small changes in health could increase or decrease benefits.
How Reporting Changes Could Increase Your PIP Payments
If your condition worsens, you may qualify for higher benefit rates, which could boost your payments by up to £700 per month.
Example of Payment Increases
| PIP Component | Basic Rate (Weekly) | Enhanced Rate (Weekly) | Enhanced Rate (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobility Component | £28.70 | £75.75 | £303.00 |
| Daily Living Component | £72.65 | £108.55 | £434.20 |
| Total Possible Payout | £101.35 | £184.30 | £737.20 |
For example: If you previously received £28.70 per week for the mobility component but your condition worsens and you qualify for the enhanced rate, your weekly payment could increase to £75.75, adding £47.05 extra per week.
Potential Risks of Reporting Changes
While reporting changes can increase your payments, it can also lead to a reduction or loss of benefits if your condition improves.
- If an assessment determines you require less support, your payments may decrease.
- If your health improves significantly, you could lose eligibility for PIP or ADP.
- A new assessment may be required, which could change your award amount.
Tip: Always provide accurate medical evidence when reporting changes to support your claim.
What Changes Should Be Reported to DWP?
Claimants should inform DWP if:
- You need more or less help with daily living tasks (e.g., cooking, dressing, washing).
- You need more or less help with mobility tasks (e.g., walking, getting around).
- A doctor confirms your condition will last longer or shorter than previously reported.
- Your health has worsened, and you are not expected to live more than 12 months.
To report changes, call the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433.
Why Is It Important to Report Changes?
Failing to report relevant health changes to DWP could result in:
- Missing out on extra financial support if your condition worsens.
- Overpayments that you may have to pay back if your circumstances improve.
- Potential fraud investigations if unreported changes lead to receiving incorrect payments.
Note: 3.6 million people in the UK currently receive PIP, but only 36% receive the highest possible amount. Reporting changes could help ensure you get the correct support.
PIP vs. ADP: What’s the Difference?
In Scotland, PIP is being replaced by Adult Disability Payment (ADP), which follows a similar assessment process but aims to be more flexible and fairer.
- New claimants in Scotland must apply for ADP instead of PIP.
- Existing PIP claimants in Scotland will gradually transfer to ADP over time.
To check your PIP or ADP eligibility, visit GOV.UK or mygov.scot.
If you receive PIP or ADP, it is essential to report any changes in your condition to DWP. Doing so could increase your benefits—but it could also lead to a reassessment that reduces or stops payments.
To avoid benefit overpayments or missing out on extra support, contact DWP as soon as your circumstances change.
For more details, visit the official GOV.UK website or call the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433.
FAQ’s
Why should I report health changes to DWP?
Reporting changes ensures you receive the correct PIP or ADP payment amount and helps prevent overpayments or benefit fraud.
How much could my PIP payments increase?
If your condition worsens, you could receive up to £737.20 per month, depending on eligibility for enhanced daily living and mobility components.
What happens if I don’t report changes?
Failing to report health changes could result in overpayments that must be repaid or fraud investigations if incorrect benefits are received.
How do I report changes to my PIP claim?
You can call the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433 to update your condition or request a reassessment.
Could reporting changes reduce my PIP payments?
Yes, if an assessment finds that your condition has improved, your payments may decrease or stop entirely.
Is Scotland’s Adult Disability Payment (ADP) different from PIP?
ADP is replacing PIP in Scotland, with a similar assessment process but a more flexible approach to claims and reviews.
How many people receive PIP in the UK?
Approximately 3.6 million people in the UK receive PIP, but only 36% receive the highest payment rates.
Can I check my PIP eligibility online?
Yes, you can check your PIP eligibility on GOV.UK or the mygov.scot website for Scottish claimants.
What types of conditions qualify for PIP?
PIP is awarded based on how a condition affects daily living and mobility, not the specific diagnosis.
Where can I find more information about PIP and ADP?
For official updates, visit the GOV.UK website or call the DWP PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433.
