The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new figures revealing 7.0 million people across England, Scotland and Wales were receiving financial support through Universal Credit at the end of September. This income-related benefit is designed to assist people on low income with their daily living expenses, whether they are employed or not.
However, more could help could be on offer. Many individuals who claim Universal Credit or income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and have a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition may not be aware that they could potentially receive additional funds to help with daily living or mobility costs through Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
PIP is a tax-free, non-means tested payment that does not impact the benefit cap. This means that a single claimant over 25 on Universal Credit or JSA making a new claim for either benefit could potentially receive up to £737.20 every four weeks independently of their other benefits.
When combined with a monthly Universal Credit payment of £393.45 (over-25 rate), this could provide up to £1,130.65 each month. It’s crucial to note that this figure is based on someone receiving the higher rate of both components of PIP.
It’s also important to understand that having a health condition does not automatically qualify someone for PIP. Rather, it’s how the condition affects a person’s daily living and/or mobility needs that matters, reports the Daily Record.
Universal Credit (monthly rates)
Unlike Universal Credit, PIP is claimed by individuals, not couples.
- Single claimants, under 25: £311.68
- Single claimants, 25 or over: £393.45
PIP rates
Daily living
- Standard rate: £72.65
- Enhanced rate: £108.55
Mobility
- Standard rate: £28.70
- Enhanced rate: £75.75
Five most commonly recorded PIP health conditions
|
Psychiatric disorder |
1,37,206 claimants (38%) |
This includes mixed anxiety, stress, depressive and mood disorders, OCD and cognitive disorders |
|
Musculoskeletal disease (general) |
682,391 claimants (19%) |
This includes muscle or joint pain and arthritic conditions |
|
Neurological disease |
468,113 claimants (13%) |
This includes muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, headache, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy and other movement disorders |
|
Musculoskeletal disease (regional) |
426,038 claimants (12%) |
This includes neck, back, shoulders, elbow, wrists, hands, hip, knee and ankle pain |
|
Respiratory disease |
138,376 claimants (4%) |
This includes asthma, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis |
Disabling conditions recorded by DWP
The following conditions are the main disabling categories covered by PIP. It’s important to note more than 530 conditions fall under these categories:
- Endocrine disease
- Skin disease
- Haematological Disease
- Unknown or missing
- Visual disease
- Infectious disease
- Metabolic disease
- Neurological disease
- Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)
- Psychiatric disorders
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Genitourinary disease
- Musculoskeletal disease (regional)
- Respiratory disease
- Musculoskeletal disease (general)
- Multisystem and extremes of age
- Malignant disease
- Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract
- Diseases of the immune system
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hearing disorders
Who might be eligible for PIP?
To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health conditions or disability that means you:
-
have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
-
expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months
You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP:
- engaging and communicating with other people
- washing, bathing or using the toilet
- preparing, cooking or eating food
- reading and understanding written information
- managing your medication
- making decisions about money
- moving around
- planning a journey or following a route
- dressing and undressing
How you are assessed
An independent healthcare professional will assess you. They will assist the DWP in determining the level of financial support, if any, you require for PIP.
Health-related benefits consultations are available face-to-face, via video calls, telephone, and paper-based assessments – it’s crucial to understand that the choice is up to the health professional and DWP. More information about DWP PIP assessments can be found here.
How to make a new claim for PIP
You can initiate a new claim by contacting the DWP. All the information you need to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, ensure you have:
- your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
- your National Insurance number – this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
- your contact details
- dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
- your date of birth
- your bank or building society account number and sort code