How does an extra £624 a month sound?
Many Brits on Universal Credit could well be missing out on this sizeable figure, which would go some way to help combat the rising cost of living.
The extra cash is available to any claimant who needs help due to a mental health condition such as anxiety, stress or depression, disability or illness
This Personal Independence Payment (PIP) could see an extra £156 a week, totalling up to £624 a month, in your pocket.
The additional benefit, available to anyone over 16 and under state pension age, is there to help with the daily costs of living and any mobility needs.
A claimant does not need to have worked or paid National Insurance to qualify.
PIP is aimed at helping people with a range of disabilities. It isn’t means-tested, so does not depend on a person’s income or savings.
Claimants must have a health condition or disability causing them to struggle with daily life for three months, and they don’t expect anything to dramatically improve for at least nine months.
Anyone hoping to claim must have lived in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when applying.
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Do you need help with any of the following tasks?
Those who need help with any of the following tasks may want to think about applying for the benefit:
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Preparing, cooking or eating food
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Managing your medication
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Dressing and undressing
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Washing, bathing or using the toilet
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Making decisions about money
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Engaging and communicating with other people
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Reading and understanding written information
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Planning a journey or following a route
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Moving around
PIP is paid every four weeks. But if a claimant is terminally ill, it’s paid every week. The money goes directly into the claimant’s bank, building society or credit union account.
Any claimant is assessed to work out how much extra benefit they are entitled to; with the claim regularly reviewed to make sure the right support is given.
Applicants are assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the Department for Work and Pensions decide what financial support is required.
These evaluations are carried out in a wide variety of measures, including face-to-face, telephone, video call and paper-based consultations.
PIP consists of both a daily living and a mobility component.
How much can I claim?
A claimant will be paid the following amounts each week, circumstances permitting.
Daily living
- Standard rate: £61.85
- Enhanced rate: £92.40
Mobility
- Standard rate: £24.45
- Enhanced rate: £64.50
Some half a million more people will become eligible for Universal Credit this year.
At the end of April, around three million Britons were claiming PIP support, with some 35 per cent getting the highest amount.
So how do I claim?
Simply contact the Department for Work and Pensions
More information can be found of the gov.u k website
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a monthly standard allowance plus any additional amounts which may be available.
- Single and under 25 - £265.31
- Single and 25 or over - £334.91
- In a couple and you’re both under 25 - £416.45 (for you both)
- In a couple and either of you are 25 or over - £525.72 (for you both)
