Mum-of-five says DWP left her without food or electricity for almost a week | Personal Finance | Finance
Sarah Brown, 33, who lives in Cumbria with her partner Stephen and five children, went without meals and gas and electricity for five days because the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recalled her payment. She is sharing her story in the hope it will highlight the damaging effects not receiving PIP payments on time can have on families.
A DWP spokesperson said the mistake happened due to a change in the family’s circumstances.
They said: “Due to a change in her circumstances, Ms Brown’s PIP payment amount has recently changed.
“In order to prevent an overpayment Ms Brown’s latest PIP payment was recalled.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Ms Brown has now been paid her PIP award in full and her monthly Universal Credit payment was unaffected.”
PIP claimants will also receive an extra £150 Cost of Living Payment from September 20.
It’s not just physical conditions like cancer that usually mean someone qualifies for PIP, mental health conditions such as anxiety may also mean someone is entitled to extra help.
Poverty charity Turn2Us recommends checking its Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Test guide before making a claim.
PIP also acts as a gateway benefit to 10 other freebies which could help Britons save thousands more.
