By Charlotte Fisher

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Certain changes in circumstance must be reported to the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) if you are on Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) or you risk having your claim stopped or reduced. There are 15 changes that need to be reported, including if you go into hospital, you need more help with daily tasks and if you plan to go abroad for more than four weeks . Because the amount you receive in benefits from the DWP is calculated based on your specific circumstances, the DWP must be informed of any changes that could affect your payments. Failing to notify the DWP about these changes could be considered benefit fraud. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a disability benefit paid to those with long-term physical or mental health conditions, disabilities, or learning difficulties. It supports those who need help with daily living tasks, particularly people of State Pension age who want to maintain their independence at home. Eligibility for PIP is not determined by National Insurance contributions and it’s not means-tested – meaning that even if you’re employed, have savings, or are receiving other benefits, you can still qualify for the payments to help you with daily living tasks. PIP consists of a daily living rate and a mobility rate – you maybe eligible for just one of these payments or both at the same time. Both of these rates offer a standard rate and an enhanced rate. Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here Below is the full list of changes you need to report to the DWP to make sure your claim is up to date, according to GOV.UK . If you go into a care home, you’ll also need to report if: These changes can affect your PIP award. Depending on the change, your PIP could go up, go down, stay the same or stop. You must also contact the PIP enquiry line straight away if: These changes will not affect your eligibility for PIP or how much you get. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE It comes after rates of PIP, along with other benefits, were increased in April by 1.7% in line with inflation, aiming to help households cope with rising living costs. The latest data, published by the DWP on June 17, shows there were a record 3.74 million people in England and Wales claiming PIP as of April this year. These are the new weekly rates, but it’s crucial to remember that PIP is paid every four weeks: So, if you qualify for both the enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility components of the payments, you will receive a total of £749.80 every four weeks. If you qualify for both the standard daily living and standard mobility components, you will receive £412.40 every four weeks.