People who claim PIP having benefit payments stopped by DWP for 'eight reasons'

Eight reasons your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit payments could be stopped by the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ). Around 3.1 million PIP claims have been reviewed since 2016. These have seen tens of thousands of people have their payments stopped or reduced.

PIP is intended to cover the extra costs generated by a long-term health condition or disability. It pays up to £737 every four weeks, which is equivalent to around £9,500 a year. Around 70,000 new claims are made for the benefit each month.

People's PIP payments continue as normal until their review has been carried out, even if they've gone over the fixed term of their initial claim. The Department for Work and Pensions is stepping up its reviews of PIP to ensure claims are correct after the Autumn budget at the end of October.

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You didn't return a review form in time

If your PIP has stopped due to the end of your fixed-term award, there are two potential courses of action. If you didn't receive a review form for your claim but still have medical issues, it's crucial to submit a new PIP claim immediately. However, if you did receive and return a form but haven't heard back, get in touch with the DWP to confirm they received your form and inquire about their decision timeline.

If you failed to return the review form within the given timeframe, ring the PIP helpline at 0800 121 4433 and request an extension to complete and return it. If the DWP denies this request, you'll need to initiate a new claim from the beginning.

You've reached the end of your fixed-term PIP award

You can also contest the decision to terminate your PIP if you believe you had a valid reason for not returning your form before the deadline, such as illness or a home emergency. You must request this 'mandatory reconsideration' of the decision on your claim within one month. However, Citizens Advice suggests that it's still worth asking even if it's within 13 months of the decision, provided you can justify your late response.

You had a medical assessment

You can also request a mandatory reconsideration if the DWP determines your health has improved and decides to reduce or stop your PIP payments. If you believe your condition hasn't improved, ask your GP or specialist for a supporting letter and attach it to your paperwork when explaining why the decision was incorrect.

You missed a medical assessment

If you miss a medical assessment, you can request the DWP to schedule another one. If they agree and subsequently decide that you're still eligible for PIP, they will compensate you for any payments missed due to the halt.

You told the DWP about a change of circumstances and they decided you can't get PIP any more

The DWP has warned that certain changes in circumstances could result in an abrupt cessation of your PIP claim. This includes stays exceeding four weeks in hospitals, care homes or prisons, or extended overseas trips beyond the permitted duration.

Changes in immigration status can also affect your PIP. If you become subject to immigration control, your PIP will be stopped. The immigration status of your partner or child can also impact your benefits, warns the DWP.

The DWP is taking back a benefit overpayment

If you’ve been paid too much benefit, the government will usually reduce your future benefits payments until you’ve repaid what you owe. You should get a letter explaining why they think you’ve been overpaid, including a list of reasons. If you haven’t been told why you can ask to be sent the reasons in writing.

You have been accused of benefit fraud

If you’ve been accused of fraud, your payments will stop while the DWP investigates. Citizens Advice says that you should try to find a solicitor that can help you while you’re being investigated.

You are subject to immigration control

If your PIP has stopped because your fixed-term award has come to an end, there are two possible courses of action. If you weren't sent a form for your claim to be reviewed but still have medical issues, then you should make a new claim for PIP as soon as possible. If you did have a form and have returned it but didn't get any response, contact the DWP to check they received the form and ask when they'll make a decision.

If you didn't return the review form on time, call the PIP helpline on 0800 121 4433 and ask for more time to complete it and send it back. If the DWP doesn't allow this, you'll need to start a new claim from scratch. You can also challenge the decision to stop your PIP if you believe you have a good reason for not returning your form before the deadline, such as being ill or dealing with an emergency at home.