Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the large intestine that can cause symptoms such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation.
The condition can develop at any age, but research carried out by Bupa has revealed that most people experience their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 30.
Additionally, it has been found that women have double the chance of reporting symptoms compared to men, and symptoms are unlikely to develop for the first time after the age of 50.
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While there is no cure for IBS, lifestyle changes and medications can help reduce symptoms, as reported by the Daily Record.
Most people with the condition will find that their symptoms ebb and flow over time, with some seeing improvement whilst others will find they get worse.
In most cases, IBS is a lifelong condition, and for many people it can be a frustrating and difficult condition to live with that has a major impact on their day-to-day life.
These people may be entitled to receive financial aid in the form of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
New data released by the DWP reveals that there are now nearly 2.9 million people throughout the UK who claim the benefit, of which more than 305,000 live in Scotland.
PIP is paid every four weeks, with claimants receiving between £97.80 and £627.60 depending on their condition and how it affects them.
In Scotland, PIP is currently in the process of being replaced by the new Adult Disability Payment (ADP) benefit, which will have similar eligibility criteria and payment rates.
The recent statistics also showed that there are 1,912 claimants across the UK receiving PIP for IBS.
This includes:
- Scotland claimants: 260
- England claimants: 1,511
- Wales claimants: 139
Find out if you can claim PIP or Adult Disability Payment by looking at the criteria set out by the DWP below.
Who is eligible for PIP?
If you are over the age of 16 and under the State Pension age, you may be entitled to PIP.
It does not matter if you are in work or have paid National Insurance, nor does it matter what your income is or if you have any savings.
To qualify, you must have a health condition or disability which has caused you problems with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months, and you must expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months
The DWP will determine the eligibility of your claim by looking at a 12-month period, going back three months and looking ahead nine months, as they must consider how your condition may change over time.
Claimants must also have lived in the UK for at least two of the previous three years before making an application.
PIP daily living and mobility test
If you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP:
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
What is classified as ‘help’ for a PIP claim
You are determined to need help with an activity if you require a machine or another person to do it for you, do it with you, remind you to do it, or watch you do it to keep you safe.
PIP test scoring criteria
Claimants will be given points based on statements for each activity, with the DWP determining which statement is most appropriate in most cases.
Claimants will receive a certain number of points, which range from zero to 12 for each activity.
The accumulated point total for each group of activities is what will determine whether you are eligible for PIP, and how much you will get.
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.
PIP payment rates 2022
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 - £61.85
Enhanced rate - £92.40
Mobility
Standard rate - £24.45
Enhanced rate - £64.50
How you are assessed
You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need.
Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware that there is no choice here, it's up to the health professional and DWP.
Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant.
How do you make a claim for PIP?
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, you will need:
your contact details
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 gotten in touch with the DWP, they will issue a document to fill out consisting of 14 questions — as well as space to add any extra information.
These questions are all about how your condition impacts you, so input as much information as you can to help your assessor understand your physical or mental health needs.
If you need help completing your form or understanding the questions, contact your local council and ask for help or Citizens Advice Scotland.
There is also an online PIP toolkit with examples of all the questions to help you answer fully with the most relevant information.
Even if you don't qualify for financial support, you could be eligible for a National Entitlement Travel Card, which offers free or reduced travel across Scotland on most public transport links.
For more information about PIP, visit GOV.UK here.
