News Reader.info

THE RULE CHANGE ONLY APPLIES TO CERTAIN GROUPS OF PEOPLE 18:22, 24 Jan 2025 Older individuals on personal independence payment (PIP) may be eligible to request the Department for Work and

Pensions (DWP) to reassess their claim due to a recent change in legislation. This change may entitle people over state pension age to a higher mobility award, even if they are no longer

receiving the benefit, and potentially lead to backdated payments. However it's essential to note that this change only applies to claimants above state pension age and their

eligibility for the enhanced mobility award. According to new DWP guidelines this change is limited to PIP claims reviewed between April 8, 2013, and November 20, 2020. This legislative

change follows a tribunal ruling on May 22, 2020, which identified an unintentional gap in regulation 27 of the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013. The

guidelines state: "DWP did not have the legal powers to restrict the mobility award for claimants who were in receipt of the standard rate of the mobility award and over state pension

age on the grounds of new medical evidence. New medical evidence is a report from a health professional requested by DWP which recommended the enhanced rate of the mobility award. "DWP

were only able to restrict the mobility award for claimants if a relevant change in circumstances was identified after they reached state pension age." _For money-saving tips__ sign up

to our Money newsletter here_. Changes to the regulations came into effect from November 30, 2020,, reports the Daily Record. The DWP has also set up a dedicated page on GOV.UK to assist

individuals in checking their eligibility and requesting a review of their PIP claim if their mobility award could not be increased due to reaching state pension age. Article continues below

The guidance explains that if the DWP used a health professional's report when reviewing your claim and you had not reported a change in your mobility needs you might be entitled to an

increase in your mobility award. This is because they should not have told you it could not be increased because you had reached your state pension age – you may have got more money. The

enhanced mobility rate is worth £75.75 each week during the current financial year so £303 every four-week pay period. An award for the enhanced mobility rate could also enable someone to

join the Motability Scheme to help them get around. The DWP also said if you are getting PIP now, they will not reduce your award because of this change. However it added it cannot look

again at any decisions made by a tribunal. Article continues below To initiate the review call the PIP inquiry line at 0800 121 6579 and mention your interest in the 'Regulation 27

administrative exercise review'. Your National Insurance number will be required. Alternatively you can reach out by post. Full details are available on the GOV.UK website. Following

your call the DWP will inform you if additional information is needed to support your application. If you meet the eligibility criteria the DWP will assess whether you should have received a

higher payment. According to the DWP: "If we should have paid you more we will pay this to you."