The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new data showing that over 3.6 million adults across Great Britain, are currently claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
PIP aims to assist individuals with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or physical or mental health conditions by covering additional daily living or mobility expenses. A successful claim for PIP can currently yield between £28.70 and £184.30 per week, which is paid every four weeks, translating to a range of £114.80 to £737.20.
The significant variation in payments stems from the different combinations of daily living and mobility component rates that a claimant could be awarded. For instance, a person could receive the highest rate for both components, resulting in the maximum £737.20 every four-week pay period, or the standard rate for both, amounting to £405.40, reports the Daily Record.
However, many individuals not receiving the maximum PIP may not realise that if their condition has worsened and they require more support with daily living or mobility, or both, they might be eligible for an increase in monthly payments by up to £622.40. Upgrading payments from the standard to the higher rate could potentially boost annual income by as much as £8,091, based on the current 2024.25 rates.
To put this into context, the calculation is based on a hypothetical scenario. Consider a person who currently receives the standard mobility component rate of £28.70 per week, amounting to £114.80 every 4 weeks.
Reporting a change
Upon reporting a change in their situation, undergoing a review, and subsequently being awarded both the enhanced daily living and mobility components, their new total would be £737.20. By comparison, let’s consider a person currently receiving the standard rate for both components, which totals £405.40 over a 4-week period.
If they were to report a change in their condition, undergo a review, and then be awarded both enhanced daily living and mobility components, they could potentially receive an extra £331.80 each month. This equates to a significant £4,313 over the course of a year.
Reporting a change in your condition is crucial as it may affect your benefit entitlement. PIP assessments focus on how your condition, long-term illness, or disability affects your ability to carry out daily tasks and not the condition itself.
According to the guidance provided on GOV.UK: “As the assessment principles consider the impact of a claimant’s condition on their ability to live independently and not the condition itself, claimants with the same condition may get different outcomes. The outcome is based on an independent assessment and all available evidence.”
Before reaching out to the DWP to inform them of a change in your circumstances, it’s crucial to understand that depending on the nature of the change, your PIP could increase, decrease, remain the same, or cease altogether. According to guidance on GOV.UK, you should get in touch with the PIP if:.
- your health professional tells you your condition will last for a longer or shorter time than you reported before
- you need more or less help with daily living and mobility tasks
- your condition has worsened and you’re not expected to live more than 12 months
How to report a change
To report a change, call the ‘PIP enquiry line’ at 0800 121 4433. The lines are open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Comprehensive guidance on reporting a change can be found on GOV.UK here.
Before making any request, it’s advisable to seek independent advice from organisations like the Citizens Advice Network. While a review of your award could potentially lead to an increase in payments, it could also result in a reduction or even cessation of payments.