If you rely on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefits, it can be a shock if your payments are stopped or reduced without warning.
There are several reasons why the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) might stop your PIP claim, but understanding these reasons can help you navigate the situation more effectively.
Here are seven common reasons why the DWP can halt your PIP claim and the crucial steps you should take to address the issue.
1. Failure to Return a Review Form on Time
One of the most common reasons for your PIP claim being stopped is failure to return a review form within the given time frame.
The DWP often asks for a review of your circumstances after a certain period, and if you do not respond in time, they might stop your payments.
WHAT TO DO?
If you missed the deadline, you can contact the PIP enquiry line. They can offer guidance on your situation and may allow you an extension to submit your review form. If an extension is not possible, you’ll need to start a new claim to have your payments reinstated.
2. Reaching the End of Your Fixed-Term Award
PIP is usually awarded for a fixed term, after which your eligibility is reassessed. Once you reach the end of this fixed term, your claim may be stopped if you don’t respond to the DWP’s request for reassessment.
WHAT TO DO?
If you know your award period is ending soon, make sure you prepare for the reassessment. You’ll be required to attend a medical assessment or provide updated information about your condition. If you don’t, there is a chance your payments could stop.
3. Improvement in Your Condition After a Medical Assessment
The DWP regularly conducts medical assessments to evaluate the extent of your condition and determine your eligibility for PIP.
If the DWP decides, after a medical assessment, that your condition has improved and you no longer meet the criteria for receiving PIP, they can stop your payments.
WHAT TO DO?
If your condition has improved but you still feel you are eligible for PIP, you should contact the DWP immediately and provide additional medical evidence to support your case.
You can appeal the decision and ask for a mandatory reconsideration if you disagree with the assessment outcome.
4. Missed Medical Assessment
One of the most important steps in maintaining your PIP claim is attending your medical assessment. If you miss an appointment without notifying the DWP or providing a valid reason, your claim can be halted or reduced.
WHAT TO DO?
If you missed your medical assessment, contact the PIP enquiry line immediately. Explain why you missed the appointment and ask to reschedule.
If you are eligible for PIP and the DWP determines that you still qualify, any missed payments will be backdated.
5. A Change in Your Circumstances
If your circumstances change and you report this change to the DWP, it could impact your eligibility for PIP. For example, if you start work, your condition improves significantly, or you move to a different area, these changes may affect the amount of PIP you are entitled to.
If the DWP determines that your new circumstances make you ineligible, your benefits may be reduced or stopped.
WHAT TO DO?
Always report any changes to the DWP as soon as they happen. If your benefits are stopped or reduced because of a change in your circumstances, you may still have the option to appeal the decision, depending on the circumstances.
6. Outstanding Debts to the DWP
If you owe money to the DWP, they may deduct part of your PIP payments as repayment. This could happen if you have been overpaid in the past or if there is an outstanding debt related to a previous claim.
WHAT TO DO?
If you owe the DWP money and your payments are being reduced, you can contact them to discuss a repayment plan.
If you feel that the amount being deducted is too high, you can request a reassessment of the repayment terms.
7. Benefit Fraud Allegations
If the DWP suspects you of committing benefit fraud, they can suspend your PIP payments while they investigate.
This is a serious matter, and if you are found guilty of fraud, you could face further penalties.
WHAT TO DO?
If you are accused of benefit fraud, it’s essential to stay calm and seek advice from Citizens Advice or a legal professional.
You will need to cooperate fully with the investigation. If your condition worsens during the investigation, you may be able to submit a new claim for PIP.
Next Steps if Your Claim is Stopped
If your PIP claim is stopped or reduced, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to address the situation and potentially reinstate your payments.
1. CONTACT THE PIP ENQUIRY LINE
If you’re unsure why your claim has been stopped or reduced, your first step should be to contact the PIP enquiry line.
This service is free from both landlines and mobiles. A representative can provide you with detailed information about why your payments have been suspended or reduced and what you can do next.
2. MANDATORY RECONSIDERATION
If you disagree with the decision made by the DWP, you have the right to request a mandatory reconsideration.
This is the process of asking the DWP to review its decision. You must submit this request within one month of the decision being made.
During this process, you can provide additional evidence or explain why you believe the decision was wrong. If your reconsideration is successful, your payments may be reinstated.
3. APPEAL THE DECISION
If you are still unhappy with the outcome after the reconsideration, you can appeal the decision to an independent tribunal.
This is a more formal process, but it allows you to present your case to a judge and potentially have the decision overturned.
4. SEEK SUPPORT
Navigating PIP claims and appeals can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Citizens’ Advice and other charities provide free support and guidance throughout the process.
They can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and prepare for any appeal or reconsideration.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
