3.7 million PIP claimants could be owed more money after review

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has disclosed that currently, 3.7 million people across Great Britain are claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). However, the 2024/25 Fraud and Error in the Benefit System report suggests that 11% of claimants are under-claiming due to unreported changes in their circumstances.

PIP has the second highest rate of unfulfilled eligibility - previously referred to as claimant error - among all benefits, accounting for 30% of total unfulfilled eligibility last year. The unfulfilled eligibility rate for PIP was £1,060m (4.1%), compared to £870m (£4%) in 2023/24.

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

Last year, £25.8bn was spent on PIP, a significant rise from the £21.6bn expenditure in 2023/24. PIP, which ranges from £29.20 to £187.45 per week, is determined by the impact of a person's condition on their daily living and mobility needs, not just the condition itself.

This benefit is designed to aid individuals with additional costs associated with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition, reports .

PIP payment rates for 2025/26

Claimants of PIP receiving standard or higher daily living or mobility components are now subject to updated payment amounts:

• 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

PIP is not a means-tested benefit and can be paid whether the claimant is working or not, so there is no need to inform the DWP if you:

• Start a new job
• Stop claiming other
• Change roles at work - unless the amount of help you need has changed
• Leave a job
• Are made redundant

Changes you must reports

• 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 goes on to warn: "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."

How to report a change of circumstances to DWP

Before making the call, you'll need your National Insurance number, bank account details, and the name and address of your GP for the DWP to confirm your identity.

• Telephone: 0800 121 4433 (option 5)
• Textphone: 0800 121 4493
• (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4433
• for British Sign Language (BSL) users - check you can use the service .