DWP update on PIP cash boost after spending review - Brits could be owed more money

New figures have revealed that tens of thousands of claimants are owed more money than they are receiving after failing to report changes in their circumstances. Around 3.7 million people across Britain are currently claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP), according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), but 11% of them are reportedly underclaiming. People underclaiming their PIP benefits made up one of the highest percentages of unfulfilled eligibility in 2024, the Daily Record reports, making up 30% of total unrealised eligibility.

Claimants receiving less than they are owed have "failed to inform the Department [that] they needed more help, or [that] their condition had deteriorated", the DWP said. PIP, which is designed to help people with disabilities, long-term illnesses and physical or mental health conditions, can be worth between £29.20 and £187.45 per week.

As many as 402,500 PIP claimants don't currently receive the full amount of money they're entitled to, a report on Fraud and Error in the Benefit System between 2024 and 2025 has revealed.

Despite this, the report also showed that significantly more was spent on PIP payments last year than in 2023 - with a rise from £21.6 billion to £25.8 billion.

PIP is determined by a points-based system, where the amount people receive is based on the level of difficulty they experience in daily life and while carrying out mobility tasks.

Claimants on the standard rate, who score between 8 and 11 points for their daily living needs, receive £73.90 per week, while those on the enhanced rate, scoring 12 points or more, receive £110.40 weekly.

Those scoring between 8 and 11 for mobility needs are given a standard rate of £29.90 per week, while the enhanced mobility rate, for people given above 12 points, is £77.05.

Government guidance states that claimaints should contact the PIP enquiry line about any changes in their condition or the kind of help they need, whether they're in a hospital or care home, if they go ahead for over four weeks or if they're imprisoned or held in detention.

As PIP is not a means-tested benefit, Brits don't need to report changes in their career, whether they've stopped claiming other benefits or when they've retired.

"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," the GOV.UK website warns.