A major Personal Independence Payment (PIP) payment error by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has impacted over 630,000 households across the UK.
Many may be owed thousands of pounds in back payments, with some individuals eligible to receive as much as £12,000.
If you’re a current or past PIP recipient, it’s crucial to understand the issue, how it occurred, and how to find out if you’re one of the affected claimants.
What Caused the PIP Payment Error?
The error stems from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling—the MM judgment—which changed how the DWP interprets the need for “social support” in PIP assessments.
The ruling clarified that support during face-to-face social interactions must be properly considered, which the DWP had previously failed to do in many cases.
This has led to underpayments for thousands of claimants whose assessments didn’t properly account for their need for social support, especially within the daily living component of PIP.
Who Is Affected by This Issue?
The DWP launched an administrative review in 2021 to correct the miscalculations. As of July 2025:
| Total Affected Households | Cases Reviewed | Payments Issued | Cases Remaining | Estimated Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 633,338 | 527,745 | £250 million | 105,593 | Avg. £5,285 per case |
- Some claimants have already received back payments, with one individual receiving £12,000.
- Remaining cases are still under review, and the DWP has pledged to continue assessments through 2025.
Other PIP Errors Also Under Review
This isn’t the only issue being addressed by the DWP:
- Missing National Insurance Numbers
- 455 cases were wrongly denied due to missing NI numbers (which aren’t required).
- Resulted in £500,000 in back payments.
- Scottish PIP to ADP Transition Errors
- During the switch from PIP to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland, errors caused an unjust loss of entitlement.
- So far, £13 million has been paid across nearly 4,700 records, with more cases pending.
How Much Could You Be Owed?
If you were underpaid due to the MM judgment or other processing errors, you may be eligible for significant back payments:
| Component | Lower Weekly Rate | Higher Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £73.90 | £110.40 |
| Mobility | £29.20 | £77.05 |
These rates can accumulate over months or years, depending on when the underpayment occurred, which is how some claimants reach totals as high as £12,000.
How to Check If You’re Affected
If you believe you were underpaid, you don’t need to contact the DWP—they are proactively reviewing cases. However, you can contact the PIP enquiry line if:
- You believe your assessment did not reflect your need for social support.
- You had a claim between April 6, 2016, and July 17, 2019, when the MM judgment applied.
Call the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm) for more information.
The DWP PIP payment error has had a significant financial impact on over 630,000 households. With over £250 million already paid and thousands of cases still under review, it’s possible that you or someone you know could be owed up to £12,000.
While the DWP continues reviewing affected records, being informed and proactive can ensure you don’t miss out on money you’re entitled to.
Don’t assume you’re unaffected—check your records, understand your entitlement, and stay updated on the latest DWP developments.
FAQs
Who qualifies for a PIP back payment under the MM judgment?
PIP claimants whose assessments did not properly consider the need for social support during face-to-face interactions between 2016 and 2019.
How much could I receive in back payments?
The average payout is £5,285, but some claimants have received up to £12,000, depending on their case.
Do I need to contact the DWP to get reviewed?
No, the DWP is proactively reviewing affected claims. However, you may contact them if you believe your case was missed.