People on PIP never need to report any of these six changes to the DWP

The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a provision for individuals above 16 and below the State Pension age, who require extra support for daily life activities or mobility due to long-term illness, disability, or any mental or physical health condition. In Scotland, PIP has been superseded by the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) for new applicants, maintaining similar eligibility criteria as PIP.

A successful claim for PIP or ADP allows people to receive anywhere from £26.90 to £172.75 weekly in supplementary financial assistance. Considering the benefit is given every four weeks, this sums up to £107.60 to £691.00 each payment cycle. Despite the distinct name and welfare delivery body, both payments are dispensed at identical rates to avert a two-tier benefits system.

Numerous claimants might be familiar with the list of changes in circumstances that must be communicated to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to continue getting uninterrupted payments, but several updates not requiring declaration exist. It’s also noteworthy that more than 254,000 current PIP recipients residing in Glasgow and across Scotland, must still notify certain changes to DWP until they have been transferred to the Social Security Scotland IT system, a process expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

Changes not needed to report to DWP

Considering PIP is not a means-tested benefit and can be provided whether the recipient is employed or not, you don’t need to notify the DWP if you:

• Start a new job
• Discontinue claiming other benefits
• Change roles at work – unless the amount of help you need has altered
• Resign from a job
• Are made redundant
• Take retirement

Changes you must report to DWP

But, guidelines on the GOV.UK website stipulate that you must get in touch with the PIP enquiry line if:

• Your personal information alter – such as your name, address, or doctor
• The help you require or your condition changes
• Your condition has deteriorated and you’re not expected to live beyond six months
• You go into a hospital or a care home
• You go overseas (for more than four weeks)
• You are imprisoned or held in detention

The GOV.UK website subsequently alerts: “You could face prosecution or have to pay a penalty if you provide incorrect information or do not declare a change in your circumstances.”

Therefore, if you’ve recently switched houses or to a new doctor, don’t postpone reporting the change, especially if you’re in the PIP system of Glasgow, Scotland. The Social Security Scotland will use the DWP information about you when you are transferred to the new devolved benefits network.

How to report a change of circumstances to DWP

Before initiating the call, ensure you have your National Insurance number, bank account details and GP name and address for the DWP to confirm your identity.

• Telephone: 0800 121 4433 (option 5)
• Textphone: 0800 121 4493
• Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4433
• Video relay service for British Sign Language (BSL) users – test if you can use the service here.