If you’re a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recipient, it’s essential to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about certain life changes. Failing to do so could lead to your benefits being paused or stopped.
Which Updates Don’t Need to Be Reported?
You are not required to report changes like a new name, address, doctor, or health professional. These details do not impact your PIP entitlement, although keeping your records updated is still encouraged for administrative accuracy.
Going Abroad? Here’s What You Must Know
Planning a trip outside the UK? If you’re leaving the country for more than four weeks—even just for a holiday—your PIP payments could be affected.
According to the official PIP Handbook, such travel could change your eligibility. The DWP needs to know:
- The departure date
- Duration of stay abroad
- The destination
- The purpose of your trip
Make sure to inform the DWP well in advance of your travel plans to avoid any interruptions.
How to Report a Change in Circumstances
To report any changes, you can call the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433, available Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Key Circumstances That Must Be Reported
Here are the major life changes that should be communicated to the DWP:
- Changes in your daily living or mobility needs
- Hospitalisation or stays in similar institutions
- Travel abroad for more than 4 weeks
- Time spent in a care home
- Being taken into custody or prison
How Hospital and Care Home Stays Affect PIP
- If you’re in a hospital, both daily living and mobility components of PIP stop after 28 days.
- If you’re in a care home, only the daily living component ceases after 28 days.
- If you switch between a hospital and care home, these periods are cumulative, potentially leading to early suspension of payments.
Legal Custody: What Happens to Your PIP?
Being imprisoned or held in legal custody also affects your benefit status. You must inform the DWP of:
- The date of detention
- The expected duration, if known
PIP will be suspended after 28 days in custody, regardless of whether the situation involves remand or conviction, or whether it’s a civil or criminal case.
Conclusion
To maintain your Personal Independence Payment eligibility, staying informed and proactive is vital. Notifying the DWP about key changes, especially travel plans, hospital stays, or legal custody, helps prevent unnecessary disruptions. Always report changes promptly to ensure continuous support from the DWP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to tell the DWP if I change my doctor?
No, changes to your doctor or health professional do not need to be reported and won’t affect your payments.
2. Will a short holiday outside the UK stop my PIP?
If your trip lasts more than 4 weeks, even if it’s a holiday, your PIP may be affected and should be reported to the DWP.
3. What happens if I stay in a hospital for more than 28 days?
After 28 consecutive days in the hospital, both components of your PIP will be paused.
4. Can I lose my PIP if I go to prison?
Yes, if you are in legal custody for over 28 days, your PIP payments will stop, even if you are on remand.
5. How do I report a change in my circumstances to the DWP?
You can call the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433 during working hours, Monday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM.