Individuals receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) need to stay vigilant about reporting any changes to their health conditions to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). These crucial updates can significantly impact your benefit amounts—potentially increasing payments to as much as £600 per month or even higher. This comprehensive guide explains why reporting changes is essential, what types of changes need reporting, and how to properly inform the DWP.
Table of Contents
Understanding PIP and ADP Payments
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland are benefits designed to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability. Unlike many other benefits, they are:
- Not based on income or savings
- Available to people in or out of work
- Tax-free
- Paid according to how a condition affects daily living and mobility, not the condition itself
PIP and ADP consist of two components:
| Component | Weekly Rate (Standard) | Weekly Rate (Enhanced) | Monthly Equivalent (Enhanced) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £68.10 | £101.75 | £407.00 |
| Mobility | £28.70 | £71.00 | £284.00 |
| Total (Both Components) | £172.75 | £691.00 |
Rates are current as of May 2025
Why Reporting Changes Is Critically Important
Failing to report changes in your condition or circumstances to the DWP can have serious consequences:
Potential Benefits of Reporting
- Increased payments: If your condition has worsened, you may qualify for higher rates or additional components, potentially increasing your monthly payment to around £600 or more.
- Avoiding overpayments: If your condition improves and you don’t report it, you might receive more than you’re entitled to, which you’ll later have to repay.
- Legal compliance: Failing to report changes could be considered benefit fraud, which carries serious penalties.
Impact on Payment Amounts
The financial impact of reporting changes can be substantial:
| Scenario | Potential Monthly Change |
|---|---|
| Moving from no award to standard daily living component | +£272.40 increase |
| Moving from standard to enhanced daily living component | +£134.60 increase |
| Moving from no award to standard mobility component | +£114.80 increase |
| Moving from standard to enhanced mobility component | +£169.20 increase |
| Moving from no components to both enhanced components | +£691.00 increase |
What Changes Must Be Reported to DWP
The DWP requires notification of several types of changes that could affect your PIP or ADP entitlement.
Health-Related Changes
- Your condition has improved or worsened
- The level of help you need has increased or decreased
- Your doctor informs you that your condition will last longer or shorter than previously reported
- You receive a terminal diagnosis (expected to live 12 months or less)
Personal Circumstance Changes
- Name, address, or contact details
- Bank or building society details
- Doctor or healthcare professional
- Immigration status
- Going abroad for more than 13 weeks (or 26 weeks for medical treatment)
- Going into a hospital, care home, or hospice for more than 28 days
- Being imprisoned or held in detention
Example Scenario
James has been receiving the standard rate of the daily living component (£68.10 weekly) for rheumatoid arthritis. His condition has worsened, affecting his ability to prepare food, dress, and manage his medications. After reporting these changes:
- DWP reassessed his needs
- He was awarded the enhanced rate of £101.75 weekly
- His monthly payment increased by £134.60
Without reporting these changes, James would have continued receiving the lower rate, missing out on over £1,600 annually.
How to Report Changes to the DWP
Reporting changes to the DWP is straightforward:
By Phone (Recommended)
Contact the PIP enquiry line:
- Telephone: 0800 121 4433
- Textphone: 0800 121 4493
- Relay UK service: 18001 then 0800 121 4433
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
- Cost: Free from landlines and mobiles
When calling, have your:
- National Insurance number
- Full name and date of birth
- Details of the change(s) you’re reporting
By Post
Write to the address on your PIP decision letter, including:
- Full name
- National Insurance number
- Date of birth
- Details of what has changed and when
- Signature
Important tip: When reporting by post, keep a copy of your letter and get proof of postage from the Post Office.
The Assessment Process After Reporting Changes
After reporting changes, the following process typically occurs:
- Initial review: DWP examines the information you’ve provided
- Further evidence: They may request additional medical evidence from your healthcare providers
- Possible reassessment: You might need to complete another assessment form or attend a face-to-face, telephone, or video assessment
- Decision: DWP will decide if your PIP award should change
- Notification: You’ll receive a decision letter explaining any changes to your award
Special Circumstances
Hospital and Care Home Stays
If you enter a hospital or care home for more than 28 days:
- Your PIP payments may be paused
- You must notify DWP when you leave to restart payments
- If you go home for even part of a day, you should be paid for that day
Exceptions apply if you:
- Are under 18 when you enter hospital
- Are paying for your care home stay privately
- Are in a hospice with a terminal illness (unless it’s an NHS hospital)
Traveling Abroad
PIP payments are usually stopped if you’re outside Great Britain for more than:
- 13 weeks for general absences
- 26 weeks if you’re abroad for medical treatment
Current Statistics
As of May 2025:
- Approximately 3.6 million people in the UK receive PIP
- Only 36% of claimants receive the maximum payment
- In Scotland, new claimants now apply for ADP instead of PIP
- Existing PIP claimants in Scotland are gradually transitioning to ADP
Resources and Support
If you need help understanding your PIP entitlement or reporting changes:
- Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits
- Disability Rights UK: www.disabilityrightsuk.org
- Turn2Us: www.turn2us.org.uk
- Official GOV.UK PIP page: www.gov.uk/pip
- Change of circumstances reporting: www.gov.uk/pip/change-of-circumstances
Conclusion
Staying proactive about reporting changes in your health condition or circumstances to the DWP is crucial for receiving the correct PIP or ADP payment. While it might seem daunting to report changes, especially when you’re concerned about losing benefits, accurate reporting ensures you receive the financial support you’re entitled to—potentially increasing your monthly payment to around £600 or more if your needs have increased.
Remember that PIP and ADP are designed to help with the extra costs of living with a disability or health condition. By keeping the DWP informed of your current situation, you ensure the system works as intended and provides appropriate support for your needs.
