Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit administered through the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and is intended to financially support people with a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition.
The benefit is divided into two separate components — the daily living component and the mobility component — which each have a lower rate and a higher rate.
Those who are eligible to receive the maximum amount of PIP from the DWP would get £152.15 each week, as reported by the Daily Express.
READ MORE — Nicola Sturgeon to make Covid announcement on Wednesday as patients reach record high
There are a number of circumstance changes that PIP claimants must inform the DWP of before or soon after they come into effect, including their name, address, or doctor's information.
In addition, if a claimant's condition or disability worsens, or if their needs change, they must let the DWP know this.
People who have been informed by their doctor that they likely have six months or under left to live should also report this information.
Furthermore, any extended length of time spent in hospital or in care — or abroad — is classed as a change to circumstances, as is any time spent in prison or detention.
Claimants who are not UK citizens are required to let the DWP know of any changes to their immigration status.
People who need to report any changes should call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 — those who require assistance can get somebody else to call on their behalf as long as they are with them.
Occasionally, the DWP will accidentally overpay claimants, and this money must be paid back.
Claimants may need to repay if they did not report changes immediately, gave wrong information or were accidentally given more money than they should have got.
The DWP has been making a conscious effort to promote the disability benefits it has on offer, including PIP.
Other benefits include Attendance Allowance, Child Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Carer’s Allowance.
Chloe Smith, the UK Government’s Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, shared why those with a disability should reach out to the DWP for support as soon as possible.
Ms Smith explained: “Living with a long-term illness or disability can have a profound effect on daily life, both for those with a diagnosis and those who care for them.
“So it’s vitally important you are receiving all the help you are entitled to.
“Millions of people already receive this support and I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible for extra financial help to check online.”
Anyone wondering if they are eligible for any of the above disability benefits, including PIP, can use an independent benefits calculator.
Services like entitledto and Turn2us offer benefit applicants an insight into what they may be entitled to.
