New data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that hundreds of thousands of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants could be missing out on money they are entitled to.
According to the 2024/25 Fraud and Error in the Benefit System report, around 11% of people currently receiving PIP are underpaid. With more than 3.8 million claimants across Great Britain, that figure equates to roughly 400,000 people not getting their full entitlement.
The shortfall is not the result of fraud but what the DWP calls “unfulfilled eligibility,” which occurs when claimants fail to update the department about changes in their condition. For many, this means not reporting when their health has worsened or when they require more assistance with daily living or mobility. As a result, their payments remain at a lower rate than they should be.
PIP is a crucial benefit designed to support people with the additional costs that come with having a disability, long-term illness, or mental health condition. Payments range from £29.20 to £187.45 a week, depending not on the condition itself, but on how severely it impacts a person’s daily life. This includes help with essential activities such as cooking, washing, dressing, or moving around independently.
The latest figures show that in the past year alone, the total amount of unclaimed eligibility across the benefits system hit £25.8 billion. Out of that, PIP accounted for more than £1 billion – the second-highest rate of any benefit.
This highlights just how many people could be struggling unnecessarily when additional support is available. If you are currently receiving PIP, it’s worth reviewing your claim and considering whether your needs have changed since your last assessment. Even small changes in your daily challenges could mean you are entitled to more.
The process involves contacting the DWP to report a change of circumstances. This may trigger a reassessment of your claim, but it could also result in a higher award and much-needed extra financial support.
With the cost of living still putting pressure on households, ensuring you receive the correct level of benefits is more important than ever. For the 400,000 people currently underpaid, checking eligibility could make a life-changing difference.
