More than 400,000 PIP claimants may be missing out on full benefit payments

The latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) statistics reveal that more than 3.8 million people across Great Britain are currently receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Yet new data from the 2024/25 Fraud and Error in the Benefit System report shows 11 out of every 100 claimants (11%) are missing out on money they're entitled to because they haven't informed authorities of changes to their circumstances.

PIP boasts the second highest unfulfilled eligibility rate - previously known as claimant error - among all benefits and carries relatively substantial expenditure, accounting for 30 per cent of total unfulfilled eligibility last year. The unfulfilled eligibility rate for PIP reached £1,060m (4.1%), up from £870m (4%) in 2023/24, reports the Daily Record.

The DWP stated that all unfulfilled eligibility resulted from claimants "failing to inform the Department they needed more help, or their condition had deteriorated."

• List of conditions that allow you to skip GP queues for quick treatment
• People on four DWP benefits told to look out for important letters

The report reveals £25.8bn was allocated to PIP last year, marking a substantial rise from the £21.6bn expenditure in 2023/24. PIP ranges from £29.20 to £187.45 weekly, and crucially, the amount someone receives hinges on how their condition affects their daily living and mobility requirements - not simply the condition itself.

The benefit aims to assist people with additional expenses arising from a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition. However, a recent fraud and error report reveals that as many as 402,500 PIP claimants are not receiving the correct amount of financial support they are now entitled to.

PIP payment rates

Those on the standard or higher daily living or mobility component now receive:

• Standard daily living rate - £73.90 per week, £295.60 per pay period
• Enhanced daily living rate - £110.40 per week, £441.60 per pay period
• Standard mobility rate - £29.20 per week, £116.80 per pay period
• Enhanced mobility rate - £77.05 per week, £308.20 per pay period

Changes you do not need to report to DWP

Since PIP is not a means-tested benefit and can be paid regardless of 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
• Leave a job
• Are made redundant
• Take retirement

Changes you must report to DWP

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
• 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)
• You are imprisoned or held in detention

The GOV.UK website further warns: "You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances."

So, if you've recently relocated or changed your GP, don't delay in reporting the change.

Here's how to report a change of circumstances to the DWP

Before making the call, ensure you have your National Insurance number, bank account details and GP's name and address at hand 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 - check you can use the service .