Anybody living in the UK that requires financial help because they suffer from a long-term health condition can do so through a Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The disability allowance is given out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and almost three million UK citizens qualify for it, reports Lancs Live. Now, experts have revealed the details behind how certain skin and eye conditions could make someone eligible for PIP.
The director of Benefit Answers, Paul Brennan, explained who is able to claim the disability payment. Mr Brennan said: “You don’t need a serious physical disability to claim PIP - there are currently 2,217 people across the UK claiming support for sleep apnea and conditions of the upper respiratory tract.
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“If a skin condition like bullous pemphigoid or any other ailment means that you need help with preparing food, bathing, using the toilet, dressing, moving, or planning a journey - you should consider applying for PIP.
“Even if you’re in employment, you could be entitled to pay outs of up to £156 per week to help with your costs.”
PIP is divided into daily living and mobility components, that are paid at a certain rate dependant on the severity of the person's condition. For the lower weekly rate, PIP's mobility component is £24.45 and £64.50 for the higher rate.
This would mean that someone who gets the higher rate of both components would receive just under £157 a week for their allowance. According to the DWP, the following health conditions could make someone qualify for the benefit payment:
- Malignant disease
- Skin disease
- Infectious disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Haematological disease
- Diseases of the liver, gallbladder and biliary tract
- Respiratory disease
- Diseases of the immune system
- Musculoskeletal disease
- Autoimmune disease
- Genitourinary disease
- Endocrine disease
- Metabolic disease
- Neurological disease
- Visual disease
- Psychiatric disorders
- Multisystem and extremes of age
- Hearing disorders
How much someone qualifies for depends on how their condition affects their everyday lives, not on what the condition is. Paul encouraged those who are looking to claim PIP to be careful when filling out the application.
The benefits expert said: "The DWP will send you a form focusing on how your condition affects you. Make sure you’re putting in as much detail as you can so that they have a crystal clear picture of your physical or mental health needs.”
PIP claimants will all be awaiting the new Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt's fiscal statement to be made later this month. The Government is expected to announce the rate at which it will raise benefit payments by, including PIP.
A DWP spokesperson previously told the Express: "The Secretary of State commences her statutory annual review of benefits and state pensions from late October using the most recent prices and earnings indices available.
“We are committed to looking after the most vulnerable which is why we’ve delivered at least £1,200 of support to families this winter while also saving households an average of £1,000 a year through our Energy Price Guarantee.
"This support is on top of the annual working-age benefits bill which is over £87billion.”
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