If you’re someone receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in the UK, you already know how important it is to follow the rules set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). While many changes in your circumstances must be reported to avoid overpayments or legal issues, there are some changes that you are not required to report at all.
This article will explain clearly which changes do not affect your PIP claim and when you don’t need to inform the DWP. Knowing this can help you avoid unnecessary stress and confusion.
What Is PIP?
This Article Includes
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit provided by the UK government to help people who have a long-term health condition or disability that affects their daily living or mobility.
PIP is not means-tested, which means your income or savings don’t usually affect your claim. It’s also not affected by your employment status, so you can work and still get PIP.
Why Reporting Changes Matters
Normally, if something changes in your life — like your health condition improves, your address changes, or you get a job — the DWP expects you to tell them. Not reporting important changes can lead to:
- Overpayments
- Having to repay benefits
- Penalties or legal action
But, here’s the good news: Not all changes need to be reported. Some changes won’t affect your PIP claim, and the DWP does not require you to report them.
Changes You NEVER Have to Report
Let’s take a look at the changes that PIP claimants do NOT need to report to DWP:
1. Going into Hospital or Care Home for Less Than 28 Days
If you’re admitted to hospital or a care home for less than 28 days, there is no need to tell the DWP. Your PIP payments will continue as usual.
2. Short Holidays or Temporary Travel
Going on a short holiday, even abroad, does not affect your PIP. As long as you’re not out of the UK for more than 13 weeks (or 26 weeks for medical treatment), you do not need to inform the DWP.
3. Small Changes in Daily Routine
If your condition remains the same but your daily routine shifts slightly — like changing what time you wake up or eat meals — you don’t need to report it.
4. Changing GP or Hospital
Switching doctors or hospitals due to personal choice or moving closer to home does not affect your PIP, and it’s not something you have to inform the DWP about.
5. New Relationship (Unless You Move In Together)
If you start dating someone or enter a relationship but you don’t move in together, this change has no impact on your PIP, and you’re not required to report it.
6. Changes in Employment (If Your Condition Is Unchanged)
As long as your health condition or disability remains the same and you’re not claiming for a new condition, getting a job does not affect PIP. PIP is about how your condition affects your life, not whether you’re employed.
Changes You MUST Still Report
To be safe, remember that you still must report the following:
- If your health condition gets better or worse
- If you move in with a partner
- If your mobility or daily tasks become easier or harder
- If you go abroad for more than 13 weeks
- If you are admitted to a hospital or care home for more than 28 days
Why This Matters
Many PIP claimants worry unnecessarily about reporting every little life update. But the DWP only wants to know about changes that might affect your ability to function daily or your medical condition. Understanding what is not required helps you feel more confident and avoid unnecessary calls or letters to the DWP.