The Department for Work and Pensions could take benefactors to court or make them pay a penalty if they give wrong information or do not report a change in their circumstances
Millions of people across the UK claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) but many could run into problems if they fail to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of their circumstances.
PIP is a benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age who need help with covering the costs of daily living tasks or getting around outside the home as a result of a disability, long-term illness or mental health condition.
The DWP could give you between £23.70 and £152.15 per week to help with these additional costs, usually paid into your account every four weeks – reports the Daily Record.
The amount of PIP you get depends on the severity of your condition, rather than the condition itself, which means there are no ‘guaranteed’ conditions that will automatically qualify you for the benefit.
However, many claimants are unaware of a list of changes in circumstances that must be reported or risk serious repercussions.
The DWP send out annual PIP and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) award letters in March to confirm the new payment rates for the upcoming financial year.
This is an opportunity for everyone receiving PIP or DLA to check that the DWP holds correct information on them, especially if they have been receiving the benefit for some time.
The GOV.UK website also contains an important warning that states: 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.
This means that if you have recently moved home or switched to a new doctor, you should report the change to the DWP.