The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made a critical update to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme, affecting hundreds of thousands of UK seniors.
As of May 2025, nearly 220,000 claimants have had their PIP payments stopped, following a comprehensive reassessment review.
The findings revealed that 20% of those reassessed no longer met eligibility criteria, either due to improved health or changes in personal circumstances.
Why Were PIP Payments Stopped?
PIP is designed to support individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities that limit daily activities or mobility. However, eligibility isn’t permanent. The DWP routinely conducts reassessments to ensure benefits go only to those who still meet medical and functional criteria.
Key reasons for payment suspension:
- Health improvement based on reassessment
- Failure to report changes in circumstances
- Long-term hospital stays (over 28 days)
- Extended travel outside the UK (over 4 weeks)
- Lack of recent supporting medical documentation
PIP Reassessment Findings: Breakdown
From March 2019 to May 2025, the DWP reviewed hundreds of thousands of PIP cases. Here’s how the results break down:
| Reassessment Outcome | Percentage of Cases |
|---|---|
| PIP Payments Unchanged | 52% |
| PIP Payments Increased | 19% |
| PIP Payments Reduced | 8% |
| PIP Payments Stopped Entirely | 20% |
More than 1 in 5 seniors faced a complete termination of PIP support due to updated assessments.
PIP & Hospital Stays or Foreign Travel
The DWP also emphasizes strict rules related to hospitalizations and foreign travel:
- Hospital Stay Rule: If you’re admitted to an NHS hospital for more than 28 days, PIP payments will pause. Stays are considered continuous if separated by fewer than 28 days.
- Care Home Residents: The daily living component stops after 28 days if care costs are publicly funded, while mobility payments remain unaffected.
- Travel Abroad: If you’re out of the UK for more than 4 weeks, you must notify the DWP. Failure to do so can result in suspended or cancelled PIP payments.
What Seniors Need to Know and Do
What does not affect your PIP payments:
- Changing your address
- Updating your healthcare provider
- Changing your name
However, if your health condition improves or you spend extended time abroad, you must inform the DWP to avoid overpayments and penalties.
How to Challenge a PIP Payment Stoppage
If you believe your PIP has been wrongly stopped, you can request a reassessment or appeal. Here’s how:
- Request a Mandatory Reconsideration – Contact DWP within one month of the decision.
- Submit Medical Evidence – Provide up-to-date reports proving ongoing daily difficulties or mobility limitations.
- Appeal to Tribunal – If the reconsideration fails, a tribunal may reverse the decision based on the evidence presented.
The DWP’s decision to stop PIP payments for 220,000 UK seniors underscores the importance of staying compliant with eligibility rules and reporting requirements.
While 20% of claimants lost their benefits due to reassessment, many others continue to receive support where it’s still needed. If you’ve been affected, act quickly—gather updated medical documents and follow the appeals process to protect your entitlement.
Always notify the DWP of changes in your health or personal circumstances to avoid disruption in your payments.
FAQs
Why did I lose my PIP after reassessment?
You may have lost your PIP due to an improved health condition, prolonged hospital stay, or failure to report a change in circumstances.
Can I get my PIP back if it was wrongly stopped?
Yes. You can request a mandatory reconsideration and submit new medical evidence to support your claim.
Does travel abroad affect my PIP?
Yes. If you leave the UK for more than 4 consecutive weeks, you must inform DWP. Unreported travel may lead to benefit suspension.