PIP: Britons must report certain issues ‘straight away’ to avoid a penalty charge

PIP is a payment available to those who have a disability, or long term ill-health, and is designed to help with extra costs. Britons can receive the payment whether they are working or not, however, there are certain eligibility criteria to bear in mind. A person must be aged 16 or over, and usually must have not reached state pension age.

These include if personal details such as name or address change, if a person goes abroad, or if they are in hospital or a care home.

In addition, if the help a person needs, or their condition changes, they must provide an update.

Finally, if a person’s condition has worsened and they are not expected to live more than six months, reporting this is key so Britons can receive the right support.

Changes in circumstances should be reported as they may affect the amount of support a person is entitled to.

Britons can also write to the DWP, with the contact address found on a person’s original decision letter.

Citizens Advice has also told PIP claimants it is a good idea to keep a written record of a change being reported, in case the matter is disputed later down the line. 

Those who report a change by phone can ask the DWP for a transcript, and those who write are encouraged to keep a copy of their letter. 

It is worth noting, however, that a change in circumstances may result in the DWP wishing to assess a PIP claimant again.

If so, Britons can expect to receive a new claim form to complete, which should be filled out in full and returned by the specified deadline on the correspondence.