If you receive benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), there’s something very important you need to know. Anyone getting support of around £600 per month must report changes in their health condition. This is not just a suggestion—it’s a rule that can affect whether your benefits continue or not.
Why Reporting Health Changes Matters
When you’re claiming benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), the amount you get is based on how your health affects your daily life and ability to work. If your condition improves or worsens, the DWP needs to know. They use this information to check if you’re still eligible and whether the amount you receive needs to change.
Failing to update your health status could lead to serious consequences. You might be overpaid, which you’ll later have to return, or underpaid, which means you’re not getting the full support you’re entitled to. In some cases, your payments might be paused or stopped altogether.
What Kind of Health Changes Must Be Reported?
Not every small change has to be reported, but there are a few key types of updates the DWP expects:
- Your condition gets better or worse
- You’re admitted to or discharged from a hospital or care home
- You start or stop using aids like wheelchairs, walking frames, or oxygen tanks
- You start a new treatment or medication that significantly affects your condition
- You develop a new health problem that wasn’t part of your original claim
Even if you’re unsure whether a change is important enough, it’s safer to report it. The DWP will assess if it affects your claim.
How to Report Changes
You can report health updates in several ways:
- Online through the DWP website
- By calling the benefit helpline relevant to your claim
- By writing to the DWP office handling your case
Make sure you give as much detail as possible and include supporting documents like medical reports, appointment letters, or new prescriptions if you have them.
What Happens After You Report?
Once you’ve reported a change, the DWP might:
- Review your current benefit amount
- Ask you to attend a reassessment or send more medical information
- Continue your existing payments if no changes are needed
If your condition has worsened, your benefits may increase. If it’s improved, there’s a chance your payments might be reduced or stopped, but you’ll be informed in writing before any decision is final.
What If You Don’t Report?
Not reporting can lead to:
- Overpayment recovery – where DWP asks for money back
- Benefit fraud investigation – if they find out you hid information
- Stopped payments – which could impact your financial stability
In short, it’s not worth the risk.
Support Available to Help You
If you’re unsure how to report or need help understanding what to say, you can reach out to:
- Citizens Advice
- Disability Rights UK
- Your local council’s benefits team
- DWP helpline for your specific benefit
These organizations can guide you step-by-step and even help write letters or forms if needed.
Final Word
The DWP gives up to £600 monthly to support people with health issues or disabilities, but this support comes with responsibilities. Keeping them informed about your health ensures your claim stays accurate and you avoid penalties.
So, if your health changes, don’t wait. Report it. It’s better to be safe than sorry—and it keeps your benefits running smoothly.