The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure households receive all benefit payments they are eligible for, stressing that many people miss out simply because changes are not reported.
Senior officials have urged claimants to inform the DWP whenever their circumstances change, as doing so could result in higher payments. This reminder follows evidence shared with an MP committee, reported by Express.co.uk.
Disability Benefits Identified as Biggest Gap in Payments
According to the department, the largest area of unclaimed entitlement is disability benefits, particularly Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
A major reason people miss out is failure to notify the DWP when their health, mobility, or daily living needs change. These changes can significantly affect the level of support someone qualifies for.
DWP Launches “Tell Us Too” Awareness Campaign
DWP Permanent Secretary Peter Schofield explained that the benefits system depends heavily on claimants keeping the department informed.
He said the DWP is increasing efforts to remind people to report updates and make the process easier. This includes a new awareness drive called “Tell Us Too.”
The campaign encourages people to report changes not just to friends or family, but directly to the DWP, as updates can lead to payments being adjusted up or down depending on eligibility.
One Account for All DWP Benefits Planned
The department is also developing a single customer account that will bring together all benefits a person receives from the DWP.
Once implemented, this system will allow claimants to report a change of circumstances once, with the update automatically applied across all relevant benefits. Officials confirmed significant work is already underway to make this possible.
Why You May Be Missing Higher PIP Payments
Mr Schofield highlighted that many people already receiving PIP do not realise they could qualify for higher rates if their condition worsens.
PIP is designed to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term illness, disability, or health condition. The amount paid depends on how much the condition affects daily life and mobility.
Importantly, PIP is not means-tested, so income and savings do not reduce the payment.
Current PIP Weekly Payment Rates
PIP is usually paid every four weeks and includes two separate components:
Daily Living Component
- Lower rate: £73.90
- Higher rate: £110.40
Mobility Component
- Lower rate: £29.20
- Higher rate: £77.05
Eligibility for each component is assessed separately. A claimant may receive one component and not the other, or different rates for each.
The minimum weekly amount a claimant can receive is £29.20, equal to £116.80 every four weeks.
If a claimant’s condition worsens and they qualify for both higher rates, payments increase to £187.45 per week, or £749.80 every four weeks. This represents an increase of £633 per pay period.
Fast-Tracking Assessments for Worsening Conditions
The DWP says it is actively encouraging people to report deteriorating health conditions. When these requests are received, they are prioritised for faster health assessments.
Mr Schofield explained that such cases are placed near the top of the queue, alongside new PIP claims, to ensure payments are corrected as quickly as possible.
Many benefit claimants risk losing out on substantial financial support simply by not reporting changes in their circumstances. The DWP has made it clear that disability benefits, especially PIP, are the area where missed entitlement is most common.
With campaigns like Tell Us Too and plans for a unified customer account, the department aims to make reporting changes easier and faster. Claimants are strongly encouraged to notify the DWP promptly if their health or living situation changes, as doing so could lead to significantly higher payments.
Originally posted 2026-02-11 15:47:44.