Key reasons why DWP may stop or reduce PIP payments detailed amid benefits review

Individuals receiving the personal independence payment (PIP) could face reductions or cessations in their payments as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) intensifies reviews to verify the accuracy of claims. This is in preparation for anticipated social security alterations with expectations that adjustments will feature prominently in Labour's initial Budget at the end of October.

Since 2016 DWP figures indicate that about 3.1m PIP claims have been reassessed. PIP serves to alleviate the extra financial burdens tied to disabilities or enduring health conditions offering up to £737 every four weeks – close to an annual £9,500. Driven by "unprecedented" demand with roughly 70,000 new applications monthly proposals for substantial reform are on the table.

With additional funds allocated to the system in the Spring Budget by the last government officials are now expediting the review process. This aims not only to assess new applications more promptly but also to address the accumulation of existing cases requiring re-evaluation.

While reviews are under way current recipients should see no alteration to their PIP disbursements even if their original claim term has been exceeded, reports BirminghamLive. Citizens Advice has some essential guidance for claimants and cautions that your PIP can be halted or decreased by the DWP for several key reasons.

If your PIP has ceased due to the end of your fixed-term award there are two potential courses of action. If you didn't receive a review form but still have medical issues it's crucial to make a new PIP claim immediately. However if you did receive and return a form but haven't heard back get in touch with the DWP to confirm they received your form and inquire about their decision timeline.

If you failed to return the review form within the given timeframe ring the PIP helpline at 0800 121 4433 and request an extension to complete and submit it. If the DWP denies this you'll need to initiate a new claim from the beginning. You can also contest the decision to halt your PIP if you believe you had a valid reason for not submitting your form before the deadline such as illness or a home emergency.

To request this 'mandatory reconsideration' of the decision on your claim you must do so within one month. However Citizens Advice suggests that it's still worth asking even if it's within 13 months of the decision provided you can justify your late response.

You can also request a mandatory reconsideration if the DWP determines your health has improved and plans to reduce or stop your PIP payments. If you believe your condition hasn't improved ask your GP or specialist for a supporting letter and attach it to your paperwork when explaining why the decision was incorrect.

If you miss a medical assessment you can request the DWP to schedule another one. If they agree and subsequently decide that you're still eligible for PIP they'll pay you the amount you would have received if your payments hadn't been stopped.

However be aware that certain changes in circumstances can result in an abrupt halt to your PIP claim. This includes staying in a hospital, care home, or prison for more than four weeks or travelling abroad for longer than permitted.

Changes in your immigration status leading to you becoming subject to immigration control will also stop your PIP. The DWP has warned that your partner or child's immigration status can affect your benefits as well.

Anyone without the 'right of abode' (the permission to live, work, and access public services in the UK) is subject to immigration control. Even if you have indefinite leave to remain (also known as settled status) this isn't permanent and can lapse if you've been outside the UK for a specified period.

Those with settled status can spend up to five consecutive years outside the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man without losing their status. If you have pre-settled status you must usually stay in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man for at least six months in every 12 and will automatically lose this status if you spend more than five consecutive years outside the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. Prior to May 21, 2024, pre-settled status could lapse after a much shorter period of two years.