What to Do if Your Circumstances Change After Your PIP Claim
Your PIP claim might be based on your health and personal circumstances at the time of your application. But what happens if those circumstances change after your claim has been approved or rejected? Whether your condition worsens, improves, or you start experiencing new challenges, you need to update your PIP claim to reflect these changes.
In this blog, we’ll explain what you need to do if your circumstances change after submitting a PIP claim and how PIP Ready can support you in ensuring that your claim accurately reflects your current situation.
What is a Change of Circumstances for PIP?
A change of circumstances occurs when something happens in your life or health that affects your ability to perform tasks or move around, and therefore might affect your PIP eligibility or the amount of benefit you are entitled to. For example, your condition may worsen, or you might develop new medical issues that impact your daily life.
A change in your circumstances could include:
Your condition worsens: If your health deteriorates or new symptoms appear, you might need to claim additional support.
Your condition improves: If you start to manage your condition better and no longer require the same level of support, you may need to report this so that your benefit can be adjusted.
New diagnosis: If you receive a new diagnosis that affects your ability to carry out daily activities or move around, you should report this.
Changes in daily life: For example, changes in your ability to prepare meals, dress, or walk due to a new injury or illness.
Living situation changes: Moving home or changes in your carer or support system might affect the level of help you need.
It’s crucial to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of any change in circumstances that could affect your PIP entitlement.
How to Report a Change of Circumstances
If your circumstances change, it’s your responsibility to inform the DWP as soon as possible. Here’s how you can report the change:
Contact the DWP: You can inform the DWP about changes to your condition by calling their PIP helpline or by writing to them. You’ll need to provide them with the details of your change in circumstances, and they may ask you to submit updated medical evidence.
Complete a Change of Circumstances Form: The DWP may require you to fill out a change of circumstances form or submit a new PIP claim form to ensure that your case is updated. This will ask for details about your condition, how it’s changed, and how it affects your ability to carry out daily activities and mobility.
Send Updated Evidence: Just like in your initial PIP claim, it’s important to submit evidence from your GP, specialist, or other healthcare providers that show how your condition has changed. This may include letters, medical records, test results, or reports on treatments or medications.
Wait for DWP to Review the Information: Once the DWP receives your updated details, they will review the new information and may request an assessment. In some cases, they will reassess your PIP claim, which may result in a decision to increase or decrease your benefit amount, or to change your PIP award.
When Should You Report a Change of Circumstances?
You should report a change of circumstances to the DWP as soon as it happens, especially if it affects your ability to do daily activities or get around. Don’t wait for your next scheduled PIP review or assessment. If your condition worsens or you develop new symptoms, you should let the DWP know immediately.
It’s important to remember that if you don’t report changes in your circumstances in a timely manner, it could result in overpayment or underpayment of your benefits, which may have to be repaid.
How PIP Ready Can Help You With Your Change of Circumstances
Navigating the process of reporting a change of circumstances can be confusing and stressful. That’s where PIP Ready can step in to support you. Here's how we can assist:
Guidance on Reporting Changes: We’ll explain the entire process of reporting a change of circumstances, including the forms you’ll need to fill out and the evidence required. We help you make sure that the DWP has all the information they need to accurately assess your case.
Help with Gathering Evidence: Whether you need new medical reports, letters from your GP, or documentation from specialists, PIP Ready can guide you on what evidence to submit to support your claim. We can help you organize and compile everything you need to ensure your claim is updated correctly.
Assist with Completing Forms: We’ll provide advice on how to fill out your change of circumstances form, making sure it’s as detailed and clear as possible. We can also ensure that all necessary documentation is included with your form, so you don’t miss any important steps.
Review Your Updated Claim: Once you’ve submitted the change of circumstances, PIP Ready can review your new claim to ensure it accurately reflects your current situation. We’ll make sure all information is complete, including medical evidence, so your case is as strong as possible.
Conclusion
Reporting a change of circumstances is an important step to ensure that your PIP benefits reflect your current situation. Whether your health has worsened, improved, or you’ve experienced new challenges, updating your claim is essential to receiving the correct level of support.
At PIP Ready, we make sure you don’t face this process alone. We’ll guide you every step of the way—helping you gather the necessary evidence, fill out the right forms, and ensure your PIP claim is updated properly. Contact us today, and let us support you through the change of circumstances process to ensure you get the benefits you deserve.
