The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning that your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefits could be stopped ahead of a major overhaul in 2025.
The Labour Government’s efforts to save £5 billion in PIP and Universal Credit spending could lead to changes in how PIP is awarded and maintained, resulting in some claimants losing their payments.
As of June 2025, several factors could trigger the stoppage of PIP payments, even though the rate of benefit fraud is at an all-time low.
The new eligibility rules set to take effect next year will further tighten access to PIP, making it crucial for current claimants to be aware of potential issues that could disrupt their benefits.
Reasons Your PIP Payments Could Be Stopped
1. Failure to Submit Review Forms on Time
One of the most common reasons for PIP payments to be halted is failing to return review forms within the specified timeframe.
The DWP relies heavily on these forms to assess whether claimants still meet the necessary criteria for the benefit. If you miss the deadline, your payments could stop, and you may be required to reapply.Tip: If you have missed a form submission deadline, contact the DWP immediately.
Providing a valid reason for the delay could result in an extension, but late forms might necessitate starting a new claim.
2. End of Fixed-Term Awards
Fixed-term awards are granted for a specified period, sometimes as short as one year. Claimants are sent review forms before their fixed-term awards expire, but if you don’t receive one, you must reapply.Tip: If you haven’t received a review form before your award expires, contact the DWP to confirm that they have sent it and request an update on your claim status.
3. Improvement in Your Condition
If the DWP decides that your medical condition has improved significantly, your PIP payments could be suspended.
This decision can be contested within a month, especially if you have medical evidence that supports your claim for continued assistance.Tip: Provide updated medical evidence to support your case if you disagree with the DWP’s decision regarding your health status.
4. Failure to Attend a Medical Assessment
Not attending a scheduled medical assessment could result in the suspension of your PIP payments. It’s important to contact the DWP as soon as possible if you miss an appointment.
They may allow you to reschedule and potentially backdate missed payments.Tip: Always inform the DWP promptly about any issues preventing you from attending a scheduled assessment and request a new appointment.
5. Failure to Notify the DWP of Personal Changes
Not informing the DWP of significant life changes, such as being admitted to hospital or a care facility, moving abroad, or becoming subject to immigration control, could lead to the suspension of your PIP payments.Tip: Always report major changes in your circumstances to the DWP as soon as they occur.
6. Changes in Immigration Status
If your immigration status changes, your PIP payments may stop. Citizens Advice recommends getting in touch with a helpline immediately if you find yourself in this situation.Tip: If your immigration status has changed, reach out to the DWP or Citizens Advice for support.
7. Overpayments
The DWP may reduce or stop your PIP payments to recover overpayments. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, it’s worth contacting the Debt Management team to discuss potential options for reduced repayments.Tip: Contact the Debt Management team if you’re experiencing financial difficulties due to repayment recovery.
8. Benefit Fraud Investigations
If the DWP suspects that you’re committing benefit fraud, your payments will be stopped during the investigation. Citizens Advice recommends legal support if you find yourself in this situation, as funds could be repaid if no fraud is found.Tip: Seek legal representation if you’re under investigation for benefit fraud to ensure your rights are protected.
New Eligibility Rules in 2025
In addition to the reasons listed above, the eligibility criteria for PIP will become more stringent next year. Under the new rules, applicants will need to score at least four points on one specific daily living activity to qualify for PIP.
This change significantly reduces the number of claimants who qualify based on multiple small difficulties across various activities.
PIP Payment Rates
PIP payment rates remain unaffected by the changes in eligibility but are worth noting:
- Standard rate: £73.90 per week
- Enhanced rate: £110.40 per week
- Additional mobility components: £29.20 to £77.05 per week, depending on the level of mobility support required.
Common Reasons for PIP Payment Suspension
| Reason | Action Needed | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to submit review forms on time | Contact the DWP immediately | Payments may stop until a new claim is made |
| Fixed-term award expiration | Reapply if no review form received | Payments may stop if no new claim is submitted |
| Improvement in medical condition | Provide updated medical evidence | Payments may stop unless evidence is provided |
| Missed medical assessment | Request a new appointment | Payments may stop, but could be backdated if the reason for missing is valid |
| Failure to report personal circumstances | Notify the DWP immediately | Payments may stop if the change is not reported |
| Change in immigration status | Contact the DWP immediately | Payments may stop if status change is not reported |
| Overpayments | Contact the Debt Management team | Payments may be reduced to recover overpayments |
| Suspected benefit fraud | Seek legal support | Payments may be suspended during investigation |
As the DWP implements stricter eligibility rules in 2025, PIP claimants need to stay informed about the potential reasons for payment stoppage.
From submitting review forms on time to ensuring personal changes are reported, staying proactive can help you avoid disruptions to your payments.
FAQs
What happens if I miss the deadline for submitting my review form?
If you miss the deadline, you risk having your payments stopped and may need to reapply for PIP.
Can I still receive PIP if my medical condition improves?
If the DWP decides your condition has improved, your payments may stop, but you can challenge this decision with supporting medical evidence.
How can I get help if I suspect benefit fraud?
If you’re under investigation for fraud, it’s advisable to seek legal representation to protect your rights.