DWP report reveals PIP claimants may be missing out on thousands in payments

The most recent Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) statistics reveal more than 3.7 million people throughout Great Britain are currently receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP). But fresh data released in the 2024/25 Fraud and Error in the Benefit System report suggests 11 out of every 100 recipients (11 per cent) are receiving less than they're entitled to because they haven't informed authorities of changes to their situation.

PIP holds the second-highest unfulfilled eligibility rate - previously known as claimant error - amongst all benefits and has relatively substantial spending, accounting for 30 per cent of total unfulfilled eligibility in the previous year. The unfulfilled eligibility figure for PIP reached £1,060 million (4.1 per cent of the total budget), up from £870 million (four per cent) in 2023/24, reports the Daily Record.

According to the DWP, all unfulfilled eligibility resulted from claimants "failing to inform the Department they needed more help, or their condition had deteriorated." The report indicates £25.8 billion was allocated to PIP in the past year, marking a considerable rise from the £21.6 billion expenditure in 2023/24.

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PIP provides between £29.20 and £187.45 weekly, and it's crucial to understand that payment amounts depend on how someone's condition affects their daily living and mobility requirements - not simply the condition alone. The benefit aims to assist people with additional expenses arising from a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition.

However, a recent fraud and error report reveals that as many as 402,500 PIP claimants are not receiving the correct amount of financial support they are entitled to.

PIP payment rates

Those on the standard or higher daily living or mobility component now receive:

• Standard daily living rate - £73.90 per week, £295.60 per pay period
• Enhanced daily living rate - £110.40 per week, £441.60 per pay period
• Standard mobility rate - £29.20 per week, £116.80 per pay period
• Enhanced mobility rate - £77.05 per week, £308.20 per pay period

Changes you do not need to report to DWP

Since PIP is not a means-tested benefit and can be paid regardless of whether the claimant is working or not, there is no need to inform the DWP if you:

• Start a new job
• Stop claiming other benefits
• Change roles at work - unless the amount of help you need has changed
• Leave a job
• Are made redundant
• Take retirement

Changes you must report to DWP

However, guidance on the GOV.UK website states you must contact the PIP enquiry line if:

• Your personal details change - for example, your name, addres,s or doctor
• The help you need or your condition changes
• Your condition has worsened and you’re not expected to live more than six months
• You go into hospital or a care home
• You go abroad (for more than four weeks)
• You are imprisoned or held in detention

The GOV.UK website goes on to warn: “You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.”

So, if you've recently relocated or changed your GP, don't delay in reporting these changes - particularly if you're a PIP recipient living in Scotland. This is because Social Security Scotland will utilise the information held by the DWP when transitioning you over to the new devolved benefits system.

Here's how to report a change of circumstances to the DWP:

• Telephone: 0800 121 4433 (option five)
• Textphone: 0800 121 4493
• Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4433
• Video relay service for British Sign Language (BSL) users - check you can use the service .

Before you make the call, ensure you have your National Insurance number, bank account details, and the name and address of your GP. These are required for the DWP to confirm your identity.