Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition affecting the digestive system, which can result in symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation that may come and go over time.
IBS can manifest at any time, but according to health insurance company Bupa, most people usually develop initial symptoms between the ages of 20 and 30.
As reported by the Daily Record, IBS symptoms are twice as common in women than men.
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Although there is currently no cure for the condition, medications and altering lifestyle habits can have a positive impact on symptoms.
For most people with IBS, it is a lifelong condition that can have a major impact on day-to-day life both at home and out and about.
In this case, they may be eligible to receive financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that almost 1,700 people across the UK currently claim PIP for IBS, including 166 in Scotland.
PIP claimants receive between £23.70 and £152.15 per week, totalling between £94.80 and £608.60 each month — which is how often the benefit is paid.
Find out if you can claim PIP by looking at the criteria set out by the DWP below.
Who is eligible for PIP?
PIP is available to people over the age of 16 and under the State Pension age who need help with extra living costs.
It does not matter whether you work or pay National Insurance contributions, and it is not dependent on income or savings.
To claim PIP, you must have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months and expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months.
The DWP will consider your claim on the basis of a 12 month period — looking back for three months before the application and ahead nine months — to analyse how the illness has or may change over time.
You usually need to have lived in Scotland for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
PIP daily living and mobility test
People who need assistance with any of the following tasks due to their condition may be eligible for the benefit.
preparing, cooking or eating food
managing your medication
washing, bathing or using the toilet
dressing and undressing
engaging and communicating with other people
reading and understanding written information
making decisions about money
planning a journey or following a route
moving around - outside the home
What is classified as ‘help’ for a PIP claim
You are classified as needing help to do an activity if you need a person or a device to:
Do it for you
Do it with you
Remind you to do it
Watch you do it to keep you safe
You may also be classified as needing help if you do an activity yourself but:
You are not safe
You cannot complete the task well enough
You cannot complete the task often
It takes you a long time
PIP test scoring criteria
PIP claimants are scored based on a series of statements relating to everyday activities.
The DWP will decide which statement best fits your situation most of the time. You will get a set amount of points ranging from 0 -12 for each activity.
The cumulative amount of points that is totalled for each activity group will determine whether you are eligible for PIP, and how much money you should be given.
To get the standard rate daily living component, you need to score between 8 to 11 points in total for the daily living activities. You need 12 points to get the enhanced rate.
To get the standard rate mobility component, you need to score between 8 to 11 points in total for the mobility activities. You need 12 points to get the enhanced rate.
How is PIP paid?
PIP is usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid every week.
PIP will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
Current PIP payment rates
PIP is made up of two components - daily living and mobility.
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You could receive the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
Standard rate - £60.00
Enhanced rate - £89.60
Mobility
Standard rate - £23.70
Enhanced rate - £62.55
How you are assessed
You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP work out the level of help you need.
Face-to-face assessments restarted in May and may be offered alongside telephone and video based consultations. All assessments will follow strict public health guidelines and put the safety of the claimant first.
How do you make a claim for PIP?
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you’ll find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, you’ll need:
your contact details, for example telephone number
your date of birth
your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
your bank or building society account number and sort code
your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
Once you have contacted the DWP, they will send you a document to complete which consists of 14 questions and a section for any additional information.
The questions focus on how your condition affects you - put as much relevant detail in as you can to help the assessor understand your physical and mental health needs.
If you have difficulty filling in your form or understanding the questions, contact your local council and ask for help or Citizens Advice Scotland.
For more information about PIP, visit GOV.UK here.
