Earlier this month, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced that it will automatically extend existing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards awaiting review from the current three months by up to 12 months. DWP also said it will do this 35 days before the award end date by text message.
DWP said the extension provides greater certainty for claimants and in particular help with continuing to access other support, such as the Blue Badge scheme. From October 31, a letter will be sent automatically to people on PIP confirming continuing entitlement for up to 12 months, but until then, DWP will update claimants by text message that their award reviews have been extended and will remain in payment.
DWP has said that anyone needing written confirmation before October 31 can contact the helpline on 0800 121 4433 and a notification of entitlement will be posted out. This means claimants do not need to contact DWP unless their circumstances change.
However, just because a PIP claim has been extended by up to 12 months does not mean it cannot be conducted before the new review date.
DWP explained: “In line with our usual process, we may review claims before their new end date and if so, will write to claimants to inform them.
“PIP payments will be received as normal until we complete the review of a claim. If we have not completed the review by the extended award date, we may extend the end date of the PIP award again and will write to claimants to tell them about this.”
More than six million people claiming disability benefits are set to receive a one-off payment for £150 from DWP as part of the UK Government’s £37 billion cost of living support package.
A small number of payments were made last week, but the vast majority will be made this week. DWP aims to complete all payments by “early October” and is urging people to wait until then before contacting them if a payment does not arrive.
Nobody needs to apply for the £150 payment, it will be paid to eligible claimants automatically.
Below is everything you need to know about the payment including qualifying benefits and the eligibility criteria.
£150 if you get certain disability benefits
You may get a lump sum payment of £150 if you’re getting any level of award for one of the following:
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for adults
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
- Adult Disability Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
Eligibility
You must have received a payment (or later receive a payment) of one of these qualifying benefits for May 25, 2022 to get the £150 payment.
If you get a qualifying disability benefit from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and a qualifying disability benefit from DWP, you will get a Disability Cost of Living Payment from DWP only.
It's also worth noting that no date for the second means-tested cost of living payment has been announced yet, other than sometime in the "autumn" - dates being shared on social media are just speculation, DWP will issue an update in due course.
For those in receipt of Tax Credits only, this payment will be made sometime this winter.
You can keep an eye on updates yourself on the dedicated GOV.UK page here.
When you will be paid
Payments will be made from September 20, 2022, with the vast majority expected to be made from Monday, September 26 until early October.
Commenting on the cost of living support last week, Work and Pensions Secretary Chloe Smith said: “We know disabled people face additional costs and this Government is listening and taking decisive action to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
“In addition to the £150 Disability Cost of Living payment, households will save an average of £1,000 a year through our new Energy Price Guarantee and the lowest-income households will receive at least £1,200 to help with the rising cost of living this year.
“This multi-billion-pound package of support reinforces our commitment to help UK households, particularly those with disability challenges, through the tough times ahead.”
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group here, follow Record Money on Twitter here, or subscribe to our twice weekly newsletter here.
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