The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a plea to benefit claimants to notify them of any changes in their circumstances, as this could unlock additional payments. Permanent Secretary Peter Schofield told MPs that many recipients miss out on entitled benefits simply because they fail to inform the department.
Disability benefits, particularly Personal Independence Payment (PIP), represent the largest area of unfulfilled eligibility, according to Mr Schofield. He noted that existing PIP claimants whose health deteriorates may qualify for a higher premium within the benefit, yet often do not report the change.
The DWP has launched a new campaign called 'Tell us too', encouraging claimants to report changes promptly. A customer account system is also being developed to allow claimants to update their details and have the change reflected across all DWP benefits they receive.
Currently, the lowest PIP payment is £29.20 per week, while a claimant receiving both higher rates could get £187.45 weekly – a potential increase of £633 per four-week payment period. The department has pledged to prioritise requests from those whose conditions worsen, speeding up health assessments to adjust payments quickly.
Mr Schofield emphasised that PIP is not means-tested, so earnings and savings do not affect entitlement. He urged: 'When something has changed in your circumstance, you might tell a friend about it, but can you also tell DWP.'
