DWP to Pay Up to £12,000 in Back Payments: In a major update affecting hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is reviewing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims. As a result, some individuals could be entitled to back payments of up to £12,000. This change follows a 2019 Supreme Court ruling that clarified how the DWP must assess a claimant’s need for social support. Many people with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or autism may have been underpaid because of how their needs were previously interpreted.
DWP to Pay Up to £12,000 in Back Payments
This DWP review offers a much-needed correction for thousands of people whose disabilities were not properly acknowledged. If you or someone you care for made a PIP claim between April 2016 and July 2019 and struggled with social interaction, you may be owed thousands in back payments. The process is already underway, but being informed and proactive will ensure you don’t miss out. Contact the DWP, gather your evidence, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if needed.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Who is affected? | PIP claimants underpaid due to incorrect assessments related to ‘social support’. |
| Payment amount | Up to £12,000 in back payments (average £5,285). |
| Claims under review | Over 326,000 claims being reassessed. |
| Review deadline | Reviews to be completed by end of 2025. |
| Claim window | PIP claims made between 6 April 2016 and 18 July 2019. |
| Conditions included | Autism, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues. |
| Action needed? | DWP is contacting eligible claimants. You can also call to ask about your case. |
| Official resource | gov.uk/pip |
What Prompted This Review?
This major reassessment comes from a Supreme Court case known as the MM judgment (2019), where it was ruled that the DWP was not fairly or accurately assessing PIP applicants who needed social support to interact with others.
Previously, the DWP interpreted “social support” too narrowly—often only considering help that was planned and ongoing, not support needed at the time of actual interaction. This meant that many with mental health conditions received lower awards or none at all.
The DWP has since admitted that this approach was wrong and is now systematically reviewing affected cases.
Who Might Be Eligible?
You may be eligible for a back payment if you:
- Made a PIP claim between 6 April 2016 and 18 July 2019
- Have a condition that affects your ability to engage socially
- Needed support from another person to engage face-to-face—whether due to mental distress, anxiety, or communication difficulties
- Were not awarded PIP or given a lower rate due to how your needs were assessed
Common Conditions Affected:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- General Anxiety Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Social anxiety or agoraphobia
- Schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
Even if your condition isn’t listed, if you struggle with social interaction and needed support, you may still qualify.
How to Check if You’re Eligible for the DWP to Pay Up to £12,000 in Back Payments: Step-by-Step
- Review your PIP claim history
- Did you apply between April 2016 and July 2019?
- Were you turned down or underpaid?
- Think about your support needs
- Did you require another person to help you communicate, calm down, or feel safe during social interactions?
- Gather documentation
- Collect any medical evidence, GP letters, or care reports from that period.
- Contact the DWP
- Phone: 0800 121 4433
- Textphone: 0800 121 4493
- Ask if your claim is being reviewed under the MM judgment.
- Get advice if unsure
- Reach out to organizations like Citizens Advice or Disability Rights UK for help.
Real-Life Example
Take Sarah, for instance. Diagnosed with autism and severe anxiety, she had difficulty making eye contact or attending appointments alone. In 2017, she was denied PIP. Following the new review, the DWP reassessed her case and awarded her back payments of nearly £9,000.
This is not uncommon. These reviews aim to correct the system’s past mistakes and ensure people receive the support they rightfully deserve.
Tips to Strengthen Your Case
- Be specific: Describe how your condition affected your ability to engage socially at the time of the original claim.
- Provide evidence: Include letters from health professionals, carers, or even family explaining your support needs.
- Be proactive: Don’t wait—call the DWP if you suspect your case hasn’t been reviewed.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
- Assuming DWP will contact you: While reviews are underway, not everyone will automatically be contacted.
- Ignoring old decisions: Even if you were denied years ago, your case may now qualify.
- Failing to update contact details: Make sure the DWP has your correct address and phone number.
What If You’re a Carer or Family Member?
If you’re caring for someone who may be eligible, you can help by:
- Checking their PIP history
- Helping them gather documentation
- Calling the DWP on their behalf (with their consent)
- Assisting with appeals if the new decision still seems wrong
Professional Advice
Ben Johnson, a welfare rights advisor with 15+ years’ experience, says:
“This is one of the biggest back payment schemes we’ve seen in recent years. Many people who struggled silently with mental health conditions were wrongly assessed. If you think you were affected, don’t wait—seek help.”
He recommends Citizens Advice, local disability charities, or even law centres if your case is complex or you’ve previously been turned down unfairly.
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FAQs About DWP to Pay Up to £12,000 in Back Payments
What is the MM judgment?
It’s a 2019 Supreme Court ruling that changed how the DWP must assess ‘social support’ in PIP evaluations.
How much could I receive?
You could receive up to £12,000, but the average back payment is around £5,285, depending on your entitlement and the length of underpayment.
Will I be contacted?
Possibly. The DWP is contacting many affected people directly. However, you can and should call them if you believe you’re eligible.
Can I appeal the DWP’s decision?
Yes. If your case is reviewed and you disagree with the outcome, you can request a Mandatory Reconsideration and appeal to a tribunal if needed.
What if I’ve moved or changed my name?
Make sure the DWP has your latest contact information. This will help avoid delays in your case.
