Mums PIP payment after death

Kimbooley

Hi all

My mum was receiving PIP in the months leading up to her death recently (cancer). She died on Saturday 8th January. She was paid weekly every Thursday. I know a payment went into her bank account two days before she died. Her account was frozen on the day she died also. She went into hospice the same day she was paid. What I want to know, is:

1) once her bank release her funds to me (Only next of kin) will I need to pay the DWP back a week’s PIP? And if so:
2) How soon after being notified of her death (I used the Tell Us Once service a week after she died) will the DWP write to me to give me repayment instructions? 

I just want to sort everything and pay everyone what is due as soon as possible. 

Thanks in advance 

calcotti

PIP is paid in arrears so any payment received prior to death is secure. DWP may seek to recover any payments received after the death.

You could ring the DWP Bereavement line to check that they are aware of the death 0800 731 0469.

Kimbooley

Ah I wasn’t aware of that. Thank you. 

Since the account was frozen within 24 hours of her death I was told by the bank that all payments in and out were also frozen so I don’t believe DWP would have been able to pay anything else in. 

Kimbooley

Just read that PIP payments are actually made in advance if granted due to terminal illness so I do believe it needs to be repaid. 

I did try and contact DWP yesterday but after pressing a million different options I still didn’t get through. Minefield. I know the DWP are aware of her death as we had a letter the other day about an unrelated payment (state pension) so I guess I just need to wait for the PIP letter. Wish I could just sort it out over the phone though. 

poppy12345

Try ringing as soon as they opening, you may have a long wait still but you should get through. When i ring i usually ring at this time.

Kimbooley

poppy12345 said:

Try ringing as soon as they opening, you may have a long wait still but you should get through. When i ring i usually ring at this time.

Can I ask which number you call? thank you 

poppy12345

PIP enquiry line

Telephone: 0800 121 4433

https://www.gov.uk/pip/change-of-circumstances

calcotti

Kimbooley said:

Just read that PIP payments are actually made in advance if granted due to terminal illness so I do believe it needs to be repaid. 

I had forgotten that. If it was being paid on grounds of terminal illness then it is usually paid weekly so any overpayment will be relatively small.

There is some debate about whether amounts are recoverable following a death if the death has been reported promptly but I am not clear on this point.

Kimbooley

calcotti said:

Kimbooley said:

Just read that PIP payments are actually made in advance if granted due to terminal illness so I do believe it needs to be repaid. 

I had forgotten that. If it was being paid on grounds of terminal illness then it is usually paid weekly so any overpayment will be relatively small.

There is some debate about whether amounts are recoverable following a death if the death has been reported promptly but I am not clear on this point.

Yes, she received 2x types of PIP (both paid together as one sum) but the highest level for her illness so it’s around £157 a week if I recall. 

calcotti

Kimbooley said: Yes, she received 2x types of PIP (both paid together as one sum) but the highest level for her illness so it’s around £157 a week if I recall. 

It’s the two components that make up a PIP award, total £152.15/week