UK DWP warns PIP claimants to report trips over four weeks as numbers reach 4 million

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has reminded Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants that travelling abroad for more than four weeks requires them to notify the service immediately. Failure to do so could lead to a suspension of payments. Claimants can normally continue to receive PIP for up to 13 weeks overseas, or up to 26 weeks if the travel is for medical treatment.

Government figures show that 4.01 million people were receiving PIP in April 2026, more than double the 2.05 million in 2019. Approval rates for new claims have fallen to 36.6%, and younger people now make up 16.6% of claimants. In response, the DWP has launched the Timms Review to overhaul the system and introduced a “Right to Try” scheme allowing claimants to work without losing benefits. Political leaders have called for a full review and tighter eligibility, especially for low‑level mental‑health claims.