By Linda Howard

Copyright dailyrecord

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are currently over 3.8 million people across Great Britain claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). However, recent data published in the 22024/25 Fraud and Error in the Benefit System report , indicates 11 in every 100 claimants (11%) are under-claiming PIP because they have not reported a change in their circumstances. PIP has the second highest unfulfilled eligibility rate – formerly referred to as claimant error – of all benefits and relatively high expenditure, resulting in 30 per cent of total unfulfilled eligibility last year. The unfulfilled eligibility rate for PIP was £1,060m (4.1%), compared to £870m (£4%) in 2023/24. The DWP said all unfulfilled eligibility was due to claimants “failing to inform the Department they needed more help, or their condition had deteriorated.”. The report states £25.8bn was spent on PIP last year, a significant increase on the £21.6bn expenditure in 2023/24. PIP is worth between £29.20 and £187.45 each week, it’s important to be aware how much someone receives depends on the impact their condition has on their daily living and mobility needs – not just the condition itself. The benefit is designed to help people with extra costs due to a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition. Adult Disability Payment has replaced all new claims for PIP in Scotland, with any remaining existing claimants due to transfer from the DWP system to Social Security Scotland before the end of this year. However, the new fraud and error report clearly demonstrates as many as 402,500 PIP claimants are not receiving the right amount of financial support they are now entitled to. People on the standard or higher daily living or mobility component now receive: PIP is not a means-tested benefit and can be paid whether the claimant is working or not, so there is no need to inform the DWP if you: However, guidance on the GOV.UK website states you must contact the PIP enquiry line if: The GOV.UK website goes on to warn: “You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.” So, if you have recently moved home or switched to a new doctor, don’t put off reporting the change any longer – especially if you are on PIP living in Scotland as Social Security Scotland will use the information the DWP holds on you when you are transferred over the new devolved benefits system. Before making the call you will need your National Insurance number , bank account details and GP name and address in order for the DWP to verify your identity.