The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of April 2023, some 38,086 people across Great Britain with diabetes were receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help with additional daily living costs or mobility needs. New claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by Adult Disability Payment (ADP), but provide the same levels of financial support for both components.
Of that total, there are 3,486 people living in Scotland receiving payments of between £26.90 and £172.75 each week and as the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £107.60 and £691.00 every payment period. Payments for ADP are delivered by Social Security Scotland while PIP is administered by the DWP.
A new study suggests that more than a billion people around the world are expected to be living with diabetes over the coming years. Academics said diabetes cases are set to ‘grow aggressively’ in every country and among every age group.
The new paper, published in a new series by The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal, says that by 2050, some 1.3 billion people will have diabetes - more than double the 529 million cases in 2021. Forecasters have separately predicted that by 2050 the world’s population will be about 9.7 billion, this could mean that by 2050 about 13.4 per cent of the world’s population will be living with diabetes.
Thousands of people living with diabetes may not be aware of the financial support available from the DWP through PIP or ADP in Scotland.
Breakdown of PIP claimants with diabetes
The DWP statistics show there are 38,086 people claiming PIP for diabetes.
This includes:
- Scotland: 3,486 (does not include those on ADP)
- England and Wales: 34,576
- Living Abroad: 23
- Total: 38,086
Diabetes conditions supported through PIP and ADP
- Diabetes mellitus Type 1 (insulin dependent)
- Diabetes mellitus Type 2 (non insulin dependent)
- Diabetes mellitus (category unknown)
Even though new claims for PIP has been replaced in Scotland by Adult Disability Payment, it will follow the same eligibility criteria, but take a more ‘people-centric’ approach, according to Social Security Scotland.
What is PIP?
PIP is a benefit which is gradually replacing DLA. If you need extra help because of an illness, disability or mental health condition you could be eligible for PIP.
You will be assessed by a health professional to work out the level of help you can get and your rate will be reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support.
Who is eligible for PIP or ADP?
To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:
have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months
You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition to what we have outlined above if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP.
- 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
There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here.
DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at:
- whether you can do it safely
- how long it takes you
- how often your condition affects this activity
- whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
How are PIP and ADP paid?
PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
What are the PIP and ADP payment rates?
You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support.
PIP is made up of two components:
Daily living
Mobility
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
Standard rate: £68.10
Enhanced rate: £101.75
Mobility
Standard rate: £26.90
Enhanced rate: £71.00
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, for PIP.
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 - find out more about the changes here.
You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
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
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.
How to apply for Adult Disability Payment
People can apply ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
To keep up to date with the latest disability 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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