Thousands of PIP claimants may be forced to pay cash back after DWP identifies £90m in errors

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides State Pension and welfare benefits to approximately 22.7 million individuals across Great Britain. The most recent figures, published in the 2024 Fraud and Error in the Benefit System report, reveal that benefit overpayments during the past year totalled £9.7 billion (3.7%), a rise from the previous year's figure of £8.3 billion.

Introduced in 2013, the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is intended to assist those with additional costs due to long-term illness, disability or mental or physical health conditions. The data indicates that last year saw an expenditure of £21.6 billion on PIP, a significant increase from the £17.7 billion spent in 2022/23.

This figure is projected to grow as the number of people receiving up to £737.20 each month has hit a record-breaking high of 3.5 million.

However, the statistics also demonstrate that while overpayments decreased from £200 million in 2022/23 to £90 million last year, this could lead to claimants having to reimburse the DWP.

The DWP attributed the primary cause of PIP overpayments to claimant error (0.3%), where an individual failed to notify a change in their circumstances, specifically an improvement in their condition, reports the Daily Record.

The report clarifies that the proportion of PIP claims overpaid last year was one in 100, maintaining the same rate as the previous year. It also stated that this accounted for £6 in every £10 overpaid.

To report a change of circumstances, you can reach out to the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433. The lines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

However, please note that the opening hours may vary during the festive fortnight.

Here's a detailed guide to all the changes in