DWP warns PIP claimants who've 'changed roles at work'

The Department for Work and Pensions says Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants don't need to report SIX changes of circumstance. The DWP has explained reasons you don't need to inform them of changes to your circumstances if you're claiming the benefit.

The DWP has a dedicated PIP enquiry line for claimants to report any changes in circumstances. But here are several changes that do not need to be declared, the government and benefits department have informed existing claimants.

Since PIP is not a means-tested benefit and can be paid 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 or leave a job.

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You also don't need to report if you are made redundant or if you take retirement. However, guidance on the GOV.UK website states you must contact the PIP enquiry line if your personal details change - for example, your name, address or doctor - and 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) and you are imprisoned or held in detention are other reasons to get in touch.

To report a change of circumstances to DWP, before making the call you will need your National Insurance number, bank account details and GP name and address in order for the DWP to verify your identity. Yiu can contact via telephone on 0800 121 4433 (option 5) or via textphone on 0800 121 4493.

You can also use Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4433 or Video relay service for British Sign Language (BSL) users.