New data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that at the start of this year there were approximately 5.6 million people throughout the UK claiming Universal Credit.
This is a benefit administered by the UK Government that is meant to provide financial assistance to those on a low income or unemployed.
The number of people claiming Universal Credit is set to increase in 2022 following changes made to the taper rate and work allowance rule that means an additional 500,000 may now be eligible for support.
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However, many claimants may be unaware that they might also qualify for additional money through Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
As reported by the Daily Record, here is a rundown of what PIP is and who is eligible.
What is PIP?
PIP is a benefit administered by the DWP to people aged between 16 and the State Pension age who have a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition.
The benefit, which can help with daily living costs and mobility needs, is worth up to hundreds of pounds a month.
Approximately 2.9 million people across the UK — including over 305,000 living in Scotland — receive between £97.80 and £627.60 every four weeks.
You do not need to be in employment or pay National Insurance to be eligible for PI, and it does not matter what your income is or how much you have in savings.
Many people falsely believe that PIP is only for those with outwardly visible disabilities or conditions, but it is also available to those with 'hidden' conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression.
In order to qualify for PIP, you must have difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) as a result of your disability or condition, and expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine more months.
Additionally, claimants are usually required to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when they apply.
Who is eligible for PIP?
Those who require or already get assistance with any of the following tasks may be eligible 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
According to the GOV.UK website, the rules are different for terminally ill claimants.
How is PIP paid?
In most cases, people claiming PIP receive the benefit every four weeks, though terminally ill claimants get it each week.
The money will be transferred directly to your bank, building society or credit union account.
PIP payment rates for 2022/23
Claimants are required to undergo an assessment in order for the DWP to determine how much money they should receive.
Regular reviews will be carried out to ensure that you are receiving the correct level of support.
The benefit is divided into two separate components: the daily living component and the mobility component.
Claimants may receive one or both of these depending on how their disability or condition affects them.
You will be paid 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
Assessments will be carried out by an independent healthcare practitioner, who will assist the DWP in determining how much financial support you are eligible for.
Face-to-face assessments for health-related benefits, including PIP, are now offered by the DWP alongside telephone, video call and paper-based consultations.
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
After you have gotten in touch with the DWP, they will send you a form to complete consisting of 14 questions and additional space to add any relevant extra information.
These questions are about how your disability or condition impacts your day-to-day life, so as much detail as possible should be included.
If you have difficulty filling in your form or understanding the questions, contact your local council and ask for help or Citizens Advice Scotland.
You can take an anonymous self-test online at Benefits and Work to see how many points you would be awarded for each response.
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.
