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People claiming Personal Independence Payment have been warned that they must report any changes that could affect their benefits. Overpayments have surged according to the most recent DWP statistics for fraud and error. The figures show a "statistically significant increase" in PIP overpayments, which the DWP says is largely due to people failing to report an improvement in their health. This means people didn't inform the Department that they weren't struggling as much with everyday activities or mobility. Overpayments of PIP rose from £90 million in 2023/2024 to £330 million in 2024/2025. The DWP states that most were due to claimant error (£190 million), although there was a substantial rise in fraud (£100 million). The rest (£40 million) was down to administrative errors by DWP officials. READ MORE: When someone reports a change in circumstances, typically due to a deterioration in their health, it triggers an unscheduled review of their case. Around half of these reassessments result in payments remaining at the same level. Four in 10 people are given a higher amount, while a small number see their benefits reduced or stopped. Reviews are also carried out at the end of the fixed term of a PIP award. The figures show that most people, between two-thirds and three-quarters of claimants on average, who have a planned award review are kept on the same amount. Up to 12 per cent are moved to a higher rate of payment, while others see their PIP reduced or stopped. We've included the latest figures on PIP review outcomes below so you can see all the possible decisions and the percentage of people for each one. July 2025 June 2025 May 2025 July 2025 June 2025 May 2025 The DWP says you must call the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) enquiry line straight away if: If you go into a care home, you will also need to report if: The DWP said: "These changes can affect your PIP award. Depending on the change, your PIP could go up, go down, stay the same or stop. You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change straight away." If it's discovered that you've been paid too much PIP, you may have to repay the money if you did not report a change straight away, gave wrong information, or were overpaid by mistake. Claimants must also contact the PIP enquiry line immediately if their personal details change, including their name, address, phone numbers, bank account, or doctor, or if someone different is acting on their behalf. However, these changes will not typically affect eligibility for PIP or the amount you receive. If you move from England or Wales to Scotland, you must contact the PIP enquiry line and make a new claim for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) , which is the new equivalent of PIP north of the border. To report a change, c all the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433. If you need support when doing this, you can ask someone else you know to be added to your call or have them call on your behalf, as long as you're with them at the time. The helpline is open from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm. Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp . Join our dedicated community for the latest updates sent straight to your phone as they happen. You can find out more about cost-of-living issues in our Money Saving Newsletter, which is sent out daily via email with all the updates you need to know on pensions , PIP , Universal Credit , benefits, finances, bills, and shopping discounts. Get the top stories in your inbox to browse through at a time that suits you.
