Personal Independence Payment (PIP) provides vital financial support for individuals living with long-term health conditions or disabilities. However, failure to report key changes in circumstances could result in your monthly payments of up to £749 being paused or stopped by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
In this article, we break down what changes must be reported, which ones don’t affect your payments, and how to stay compliant with DWP rules to protect your financial support.
Understanding PIP: The Basics
PIP is divided into two components:
- Daily Living Component – For those needing help with everyday tasks.
- Mobility Component – For those needing help getting around.
Depending on your condition, you may qualify for one or both components, with maximum monthly payments reaching £749.
Key Changes That Must Be Reported to DWP
To avoid losing your benefits, the following major changes in circumstances must be reported to the DWP:
| Change in Circumstance | Effect on PIP | Reporting Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Changes to daily living or mobility needs | May increase or decrease award | Must call DWP |
| Leaving the country for more than 4 weeks | May suspend PIP entitlement | Must report travel dates, destination, and purpose |
| Stays in NHS hospitals (28+ days) | Both components stop | Must inform DWP of admission |
| Stays in care homes (publicly funded, 28+ days) | Daily living component stops | Must report length and funding status |
| Imprisonment or legal custody | Payments cease after 28 days | Must report immediately with duration |
| Change of person acting for the claimant | Affects who receives the payment | Must provide full details of new appointee |
| Change in bank details | Payment may fail | Must provide updated account information |
Changes That Do Not Affect Your PIP Payments
Some changes don’t influence eligibility but should still be reported to ensure accurate DWP records:
- Change of name – Must be reported in writing with proof and signature.
- Change of address – Important for communication, but won’t impact PIP eligibility unless it’s a hospital or care facility.
- Change of doctor/healthcare provider – Useful during active assessment, but not mandatory after a claim is decided.
Going Abroad? Know the 4-Week Rule
Many PIP claimants are unaware that even a short holiday abroad could affect their payments.
The PIP Handbook clearly states:
“This change may affect the claimant’s entitlement to PIP. We will need to know the date the claimant is leaving the country, how long they are planning to be out of the country, which country they are going to and why they are going abroad.”
Tip: If you’re planning to be outside the UK for more than 4 weeks, always contact the PIP Enquiry Line at 0800 121 4433.
Hospital and Care Home Stays: Know the 28-Day Rule
| Institution Type | Component Affected | When Payment Stops | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Hospital | Both daily living and mobility | After 28 days | Privately funded patients unaffected |
| Care Home (publicly funded) | Daily living only | After 28 days | Self-funded care residents unaffected |
| Switching between hospital and care home | May be linked | Days are cumulative | Applies if gap is under 28 days |
Note: If a stay is broken by less than 28 days at home, the clock continues, and payments could stop if the cumulative stay exceeds the threshold.
Legal Custody or Prison Time
Anyone detained in legal custody (convicted or remanded) for 28 days or more will see PIP payments stopped. These are not reimbursed, even if the person is later found not guilty. The DWP must be informed of:
- The date of custody
- Expected length of time in detention
Multiple periods in custody are linked if less than one year apart, affecting your entitlement further.
How to Report a Change to DWP
To report changes, use the PIP enquiry line:
- 0800 121 4433
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
For written updates, such as change of name, include:
- Old and new name
- Bank detail updates (if changed)
- Signature
- Claimant reference number (if available)
Staying informed and proactive about reporting key changes is essential to maintaining your PIP payments of up to £749 per month.
While not every change needs to be reported, failing to notify the DWP of important updates like hospital stays, international travel, or mobility needs could lead to the loss of critical financial support.
Don’t let a missed update cost you your benefits. Keep your information current, follow the rules, and safeguard your payments.
FAQs
Will changing my doctor or address affect my PIP payments?
No. These changes won’t affect your payments, but should still be reported to keep records accurate.
Can I still receive PIP if I’m in a care home?
Yes, but only the mobility component continues if your care home stay is publicly funded. Daily living stops after 28 days.
What if I forget to report a change?
You risk overpayments, which you’ll have to pay back, or your payments may be paused or stopped.