As we all deal with the cost of living increases and rising inflation, it is essential that those entitled to help receive the financial assistance they need. Personal Independence Payment, which is often referred to as 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. Claiming this can open to the door to other benefits and, according to the government, it may be possible to backdate claims for certain benefits.
There are a range of heath conditions that entitle people to apply for PIP. It's estimated that around 547 conditions or disabilities are considered, which may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive, or any combination of these. According to the latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) more than three million people across the UK are currently receiving between £24.45 and £156.90 per week to help with their additional costs of daily living and mobility needs.
In addition, the Daily Record has reported that 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 on the GOV.UK website, 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.
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The DWP said 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. DWP explains : “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.
You can find more information as well as where to find additional help, on the GOV.UK website.
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