Your guide to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with the extra costs of disability or long-term health conditions which impact on people’s daily lives. PIP is a non-means tested benefit, so it doesn’t matter how much you earn, or whether you have savings or capital.
PIP is split in to 2 parts; a daily living part – if you need help with everyday tasks and a mobility part – if you need help with getting around. Whether you get both parts and how much you get depends on different factors. Our blog tells you everything you need to know about the Personal Independence Payment.
Eligibility
You may be eligible to receive the benefit if you’re aged 16 or over and have a health condition where you:
- Have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months.
- Expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you’re terminally ill with less than six months to live).
The benefit is available to those living in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years, and you must be in one of these countries when you apply.
Benefit payments
PIP consists of two elements called daily living and mobility, which can be paid at either a standard or enhanced rate. The daily living part aims to help with everyday activities, such as washing, dressing or preparing food. While the mobility part provides support if you need help getting around. Depending on your circumstances, for the daily living part you could receive between £61.85 to £92.40 a week. And for the mobility part you could receive between £24.45 to £64.50 a week – the amount you receive depends on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself.
If you have a terminal illness, you should automatically receive the enhanced daily living benefit if you’re not expected to live for more than six months. The mobility part depends on the level of help you need.
How to make a claim
You can make a new PIP claim by calling the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 917 2222 (text phone 0800 917 7777). After providing some basic information over the phone, you’ll then be sent a ‘How your disability affects you’ form to complete. Remember to make sure your answers are honest and accurate, and if you need help to complete the form, contact your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau or Age UK.
(DWP) on 0800 917 2222
Most people are then invited to attend a face to face medical assessment with an independent, trained health professional. To help support your case it’s useful to take photocopies of the forms completed to date, plus any written evidence from your doctor or health workers.
Once all the information has been reviewed, you’ll receive a letter with the outcome of your claim. The letter will detail the type and level of support you’re entitled to, as well as when your case will be reviewed in the future to see if your condition has changed.
How to challenge a decision
If you’re unhappy about a decision on your PIP claim you can challenge it, but it’s important to follow the correct process and act quickly. You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration to review your case, and it’s best to write to the DWP within a month of receiving your letter.
If you then don’t agree with the mandatory reconsideration notice you can appeal to a tribunal, and once again you usually need to do this within one month.
Change of circumstances
If your circumstances change, remember to notify the PIP enquiry line on 0800 917 2222, to avoid penalties or legal action. For example, a change to your personal details, changes to your condition, or if you go into hospital or a care home.
For more information on PIP and how to apply visit the GOV.UK website.
