Overview
- This week national outlets republished GOV.UK guidance telling PIP recipients they must notify the Department for Work and Pensions before leaving the UK for more than four weeks.
- If claimants do not report extended travel their PIP payments may be paused or stopped, with penalties possible for failing to give correct information.
- Claimants can normally keep receiving PIP for up to 13 weeks while abroad and for up to 26 weeks when travelling for medical treatment, but they must supply departure date, length of stay, destination and reason.
- A permanent move overseas disqualifies people from the PIP mobility component while hospital stays of 28 days or longer and 28 days in publicly funded care homes affect payment rules for the daily living element.
- People who need to report travel or other changes should call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 (9am–5pm Monday to Friday) or consult GOV.UK for full, case-specific guidance.