The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that approximately one in ten Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants may be receiving less than they are entitled to. The DWP's latest Annual Report and Accounts estimates that £950 million in PIP payments is going unclaimed due to what it calls "unfulfilled eligibility"—where claimants have not reported changes in their health that could increase their award.
Unfulfilled eligibility accounts for 3.3% of PIP expenditure
The report states that unfulfilled eligibility represents 3.3% of total PIP expenditure, one of the highest rates across the benefits system. Only Disability Living Allowance has a higher proportion. Across all benefits, the DWP estimates £3.6 billion of entitlement went unclaimed in 2025-26 because claimants failed to provide updated information about changes affecting their awards. PIP accounted for £950 million of that total, making it the second-largest contributor after Universal Credit.
This means thousands of people claiming PIP could be missing out on higher payments without having to make a new claim. Simply reporting a worsening condition or increased needs to the DWP could trigger a reassessment and potentially higher payments.
PIP payment rates and potential increases
A successful PIP claim is worth between £30.30 and £194.60 per week, equating to £121.20 or £778.40 every four-week pay period. The variation depends on the combination of daily living and mobility component rates—there are eight possible combinations. For example, someone receiving the standard rate of the mobility component (£121.20 every four weeks) who reports a change could potentially receive the enhanced rates of both components, increasing their payment to £778.40 every four weeks—an extra £657.20.
In another scenario, a claimant currently getting the standard rate of both components (£428.00 every four weeks) who is awarded the enhanced rate of both would gain an additional £350.40 each month. However, the DWP warns that reporting a change does not guarantee an increase. Each case is assessed individually, and the outcome could be an increase, decrease, or no change.
How to report a change in circumstances
The DWP advises claimants to contact the PIP enquiry line if they need more or less help with daily living or mobility tasks, if their condition is expected to last longer or shorter than previously reported, or if their condition has worsened and they are not expected to live more than 12 months. The PIP enquiry line can be reached at 0800 121 4433, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
For those in Scotland claiming Adult Disability Payment (ADP), similar rules apply. Full guidance on reporting changes is available on the Social Security Scotland website.
Important considerations before reporting changes
Before contacting the DWP, claimants should seek independent advice from organisations such as Citizens Advice. While a review could lead to higher payments, it could also result in a reduction or even cessation of benefits. The DWP's online PIP handbook states that awards are based on how a condition affects daily living and mobility, not the condition itself. Therefore, claimants with the same condition may receive different outcomes.
According to the DWP, "As the assessment principles consider the impact of a claimant’s condition on their ability to live independently and not the condition itself, claimants with the same condition may get different outcomes. The outcome is based on an independent assessment and all available evidence."
