The DWP will contact you if there is a change in your PIP claim (Image: Getty Images)
Claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) should be vigilant and take necessary action if they notice any changes to their payments. Currently, a successful PIP claim can fetch between £28.70 and £184.20 per week, with a planned increase of 1.7% from April 7.
These payments serve as additional financial aid for individuals living with long-term physical or mental conditions or disabilities, as well as those who find daily tasks challenging due to their condition. However, there may be instances where a claim is subjected to review.
The Department for Work and Pensions () typically sends out letters to PIP claimants containing a form titled ‘Award review – how your disability affects you’. It’s crucial to fill this form accurately and return it to the within a month.
Upon receipt of the form, the government department will assess your claim, which could lead to an increase, decrease, or even termination of your PIP claim. Nonetheless, this isn’t the only factor that could alter your PIP payments.
There are several other reasons why your PIP might be reduced or stopped.
These could include:
- A change in circumstances led the to no longer provide your payments
- The received an accusation you were committing benefit fraud
- Your fixed-term award period ended
- The has taken some money to repay an overpayment
- The decided your condition improved following a medical assessment
- You missed an appointment for a medical assessment
- You didn’t sign and return a review form quick enough
If you’re unsure about why your PIP claim has changed, it’s crucial to review any previous letters for an explanation. If you can’t find one, your next step should be to contact the PIP enquiry line directly by dialling 0800 121 4433.
Challenging a decision made about your PIP claim
If you disagree with a decision made about your PIP claim, you have the right to challenge it through a process known as ‘mandatory reconsideration’. This must be initiated within one month of the original decision, although exceptions can be made in exceptional circumstances such as bereavement or hospitalisation.
To start a mandatory reconsideration, you can contact the benefits office that manages your benefits either by phone or by filling in a specific form which can be found here.
It’s crucial to understand that a mandatory reconsideration could lead to your benefit amount being increased, reduced, remaining unchanged, or even being halted. If you’re dissatisfied with the outcome of a mandatory reconsideration, you have the option to lodge an appeal with the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.
This could result in a judge reviewing the reasons behind the decision and your objections to it. Comprehensive information on how to appeal a decision regarding your PIP claim can be found