The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that the number of people claiming financial support for a disability, long-term illness or mental or physical health condition through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has reached its highest level since the benefit launched in 2013. Some 3.25million people across Great Britain are claiming PIP, including over 319,000 living in Scotland.
Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has now replaced new claims for PIP in Scotland, however, both benefits follow similar guidelines and award the same payment rates. A successful claim for PIP or ADP is worth 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.
People who have never claimed a disability benefit because they believe they will not qualify, can do an online mock PIP self-tes t which could indicate what level of award, if any, they could be entitled to through PIP or ADP.
Before diving into the PIP self-test, provided by the independent forum, Benefits and Work, it’s important to be aware that it acts only as a guide to the real thing. However, that being said, it could be the final nudge someone needs to make a claim and access financial support.
If you know very little about PIP or ADP, the first thing to be aware of is that it’s made up of two components - daily living and mobility. You may be entitled to one or both of these depending on your circumstances.
PIP and ADP award levels are based on the number of points given for a set of questions about your daily living and mobility. For both components, you need:
- 8 points for the standard rate of payment
- 12 points for the enhanced rate of payment
The Benefits and Work forum does all the maths for you, you just have to answer the multiple choice questions. It’s anonymous and the results will appear in your browser as soon as you have completed it, however, you can also have the results emailed to you.
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
So keep that in mind when answering the questions. Benefits and Work explains: ‘If you can ‘wash and bathe unaided’ you will not score any points for that activity. But if it takes you hours to do so or it would be dangerous to leave you alone to bathe - for example, because you might have a seizure - then you may score points.
“Or if you could walk 20 metres once, but afterwards you would be so exhausted that you could not do so again for hours or you would be unable to carry out other everyday activities after walking 20 metres, then you may count as not being able to do so.”
Find out more about fluctuating conditions and the PIP self-test on the Benefits and Work website here.
Below is a quick overview of PIP and ADP, to help you understand the eligibility criteria, claims process and payment rates. If you have any of the conditions listed above and are over State Pension age (66), you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance - find out more here.
What is PIP?
PIP is a benefit which started to replace Disability Living Allowance in 2013. If you need extra help because of an illness, disability or mental health condition, you could be eligible for PIP, or ADP if you live in Scotland.
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.
How PIP and ADP are 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.
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. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
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.
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 PIP or ADP 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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