Shelly Macron
Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are a vital source of financial assistance for around 3.7 million people in England and Wales.
With payments reaching up to £749 per month, any disruption—whether a reduction or a complete halt—can seriously affect individuals who rely on this support.
This guide outlines the key reasons why PIP payments may be altered and what you can do to prevent or resolve such issues.
Understanding Why PIP Payments Can Stop or Decrease
1. Change in Health Condition or Eligibility
A primary reason your PIP payments may be adjusted is due to a change in your health condition. If your circumstances improve and you no longer meet the qualifying criteria for the benefit, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can legally reduce or stop your payment.
2. Changes in Living Arrangements
Your living situation directly impacts your PIP eligibility. For example, if you’re admitted to a hospital or care home for more than 28 consecutive days, your payments will be paused. Once you’re discharged, your benefits should resume automatically.
- Note: The mobility component continues even during stays in care homes, according to Citizens Advice.
3. Missed Deadlines or Incomplete Paperwork
Failing to return review forms on time or missing medical assessments can lead to your benefits being suspended. The DWP may allow you to reschedule and submit late documents, which could result in your payments being backdated once eligibility is confirmed.
4. Traveling Abroad for Extended Periods
If you’re outside the UK for more than 13 weeks, your PIP payments may stop. However, for those traveling for medical treatment, the grace period extends to 26 weeks.
Before going abroad for over 4 weeks, you must notify the DWP. While you may still be eligible to receive PIP in some European countries (like Switzerland, Norway, and EU nations), you won’t be entitled to the mobility component.
5. Fraud Investigations or Previous Overpayments
If you’re under investigation for benefit fraud, the DWP may temporarily suspend or reduce your PIP to limit potential overpayments.
Also, if you’ve been overpaid in the past, future payments may be reduced to allow for repayment. The DWP will provide written notice detailing how much and for how long your payments will be adjusted.
6. Expired Fixed-Term Awards and State Pension Age
Some PIP recipients lose their benefits simply because their fixed-term award ends, and they fail to complete the necessary review paperwork. Others may be affected when they reach the state pension age (currently 66 years).
While turning 66 does not automatically disqualify you from PIP, if your award ends and you don’t renew it within a year, you may need to apply for Attendance Allowance or the Pension Age Disability Payment instead.
- These alternatives offer up to £441 per month, which is significantly less than the £749 you could receive with both enhanced PIP components.
Personal Independence Payments are essential for millions of people managing disabilities and long-term conditions. Understanding the reasons behind benefit suspension or reduction can help you avoid interruptions and stay on top of your entitlements.
Whether it’s reporting changes, staying in touch with the DWP, or preparing ahead when traveling, staying informed and proactive is key to maintaining your financial support.
FAQs
What happens if I forget to return my PIP review form?
If the DWP doesn’t receive your review form on time, they may stop your payments. However, they often allow additional time to submit it and may backdate payments once eligibility is confirmed.
Can I still receive PIP while living abroad?
You may still be eligible for PIP in certain countries like those in the EU, Norway, and Switzerland. However, you won’t be entitled to the mobility component while living abroad.
Does reaching state pension age stop PIP automatically?
No, but if your award ends and you don’t renew it within a year after reaching state pension age, you’ll need to apply for Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment instead.