Rising bills and the general uncertainty that this brings to people's lives and finances is bound to take its toll. However, there is some good news on the horizon for certain sectors of the community. A recent report indicated that State Pension claimants who receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are set to receive up to £1,506 a month from April.
Statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that by the end of October, there were more than three million people across the UK claiming PIP. These figures also show that nearly half a million people of State Pension age are also in receipt of PIP. Across the UK 486,940 older people are getting support through the disability payment PIP and this currently provides between £24.45 and £156.90 each week - as the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £97.80 and £627.60 every pay period. The New State Pension is currently worth up to £185.15 each week and the Old Basic State Pension up to £141.85. However, the annual uprating in April will see older people claiming the Full New State Pension and PIP receive up to £1,506.40 every four weeks - an increase of £138.20.
The findings were reported by Daily Record, which explained that when someone reaches State Pension age, they can no longer make a new claim for PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). However, if someone is already receiving PIP, DLA, or ADP when they reach State Pension age, they will continue to receive the benefit until the award period ends where it will be reviewed in the normal process.
READ MORE: Martin Lewis' state pension warning to anyone aged 45 to 70
The Nottinghamshire Live sister publication went on to explain that people who reach State Pension age who are no longer claiming any of the working age disability benefits may also be able to reclaim it - as long as they are claiming for the same health conditions that they initially received the award for and the last claim ended less than 12 months before reaching State Pension age.
For people over State Pension age with a health condition, long-term illness or disability they may be eligible for Attendance Allowance - this is worth either £61.85 or £92.40 every week from DWP.
The figures and what you need to know
Potential income for older people claiming PIP from April 2023
The following estimations are based on the Full New State Pension and the maximum PIP award new payment rates from April.
- New State Pension: £203.85 per week x 52 = £10,600.20 per year
- PIP: £172.75 per week x 52 = £8,983 per year
Total combined income payments from April
- Per week: £376.60
- Per payment period (four weeks): £1,506.40
- Per year: £19,583.20
New State Pension payment rates from April
- Weekly rate: £203.85, an increase of £18.70 from £185.15
- Four-weekly rate: £815.40, an increase of £74.80 from £740.60
Basic State Pension payment rates from April
- Weekly rate: £156.20, an increase of £14.35 from £141.85
- Four-weekly rate: £624.80, an increase of £57.40 from £567.40
PIP payments from April
Daily Living Component
- Enhanced: £101.75 (from £92.40)
- Standard: £68.10 (from £61.85)
Mobility Component
- Enhanced: £71.00 (from £64.50)
- Standard: £26.90 (from £24.45)
Cost of living payments 2023/24
Pensioner households in receipt of Pension Credit may also be eligible for the £900 means-tested cost of living payment, £150 if they are claiming a disability payment and the £300 pensioner payment which will be added to Winter Fuel Payments.
Potentially, older people could be eligible for up to £1,350 over the next financial year.
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