Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed to help people over the age of 16 and under State Pension age with the extra daily costs of living for around 547 health conditions or disabilities, which may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive, or any combination of these.
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that more than 3.25 million people across Great Britain, including over 319,336 living in Scotland, were receiving PIP at the end of January 2023. Following the annual benefits uprating on April 10, PIP is now worth between £26.90 and £101.75 each week to help with the additional costs of daily living and mobility needs.
However, an award for PIP may enable claimants to access means-tested benefits even if they have previously been told they are not eligible and according to guidance in the PIP Handbook, it may also be possible to backdate certain benefits to the start of their PIP award.
This is because entitlement to PIP provides a gateway or passport to other benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance, and schemes sponsored by other departments, such as the Blue Badge.
The guidance explains that for many benefits and schemes there are additional qualifying conditions, but for some, including the Blue Badge, there are alternative ways of accessing the benefit that do not rely on a particular rate or component of PIP.
The guidance said: “For DWP benefits, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, we share information to enable claimants to automatically access other disability benefits and services.
“However, claimants should inform other benefit offices about their entitlement to make sure they’re paid the correct amounts, particularly if there are any changes in their circumstances and awards.”
DWP added that in most cases, claimants will need to use their PIP award letter as proof of entitlement.
The guidance also states that carers may be able to claim Income Support (including for up to 26 weeks while the PIP claim is being assessed) and many carers may continue claiming Income Support after PIP is awarded.
DWP advises claimants to seek advice about other benefits they may also be entitled to.
Benefits which could be accessed with a PIP award
While you may not qualify for any of these benefits, it’s worthwhile checking to make sure you are not missing out on additional support.
- Access to Work
- Carer’s Allowance
- Carer’s Credit
- Child Tax Credit - new claims are now replaced by Universal Credit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Council Tax Discount
- Employment and Support Allowance - only if you get the PIP daily living component
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit - only if you get the PIP daily living component
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit - new claims replaced by Universal Credit
Where to find help
Anyone who has already claimed PIP or has a general query about their award and what else they may be entitled to claim should call the Disability Service Centre.
You can contact them for advice or information about a claim you’ve already made for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance.
Full contact details including phone numbers can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Adult Disability Payment in Scotland
Adult Disability Payment is a new health benefit which is replacing PIP for people living in Scotland. The devolved provides financial support to people aged between 16 and State Pension age, who are disabled, have a long-term health condition or have a terminal illness.
People already receiving PIP and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) from the DWP do not need to apply for Adult Disability Payment as they will transfer automatically from the DWP to Social Security Scotland in stages by the end of 2025.
It will take approximately three months to transfer someone’s award to the devolved welfare system.
Social Security Scotland said it will write to people to inform them when to expect their first Adult Disability Payment and other important information including how to ensure they continue to receive any other benefits.
It also said that some changes may need to be reported to DWP or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) - find out more here.
Check online if you qualify for Adult Disability Payment
You can apply for Adult Disability Payment if you have a disability or long-term health condition that affects your everyday life.
You can also check if you meet the other requirements to qualify for Adult Disability Payment before you start an application.
The simple online tool asks questions about:
- where you live
- any restrictions on your right to live in the UK
- if you're on other benefits
- your age
You will not be asked about your disability or health condition.
If you do not qualify for Adult Disability Payment, the Social Security Scotland tool will tell you what other benefits you may be able to claim.
Check if you qualify for Adult Disability Payment here.
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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