The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is trialling a new online application service and if successful it may soon launch in Scotland.
Beginning in January, the ‘Apply for PIP online’ trial became available to certain first-time PIP claimants and will go on for around six months to test its effectiveness.
Under the new service, the PIP claim and questionnaire forms are done using an IT platform, though the policy, assessment and decision-making criteria are not changed.
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As reported by the Daily Record, the DWP said: “The Health Transformation Programme is committed to introducing an online service to claim PIP and to safely test the service, a limited number of first-time claimants in England will be given the opportunity to claim through the new online channel.”
The UK Government department added that participation is not mandatory and filling out the application online will be voluntary.
New data from the DWP reveals that on January 31, there were almost 3 million people in the UK claiming PIP, with 35% of these receiving the highest level of the benefit.
Of this 3 million, just over 305,000 Scots are now receiving between £94.80 and £608.60 in financial aid each month through PIP.
The DWP also revealed that between October 2021 and January 2022, it received approximately 170,000 new claims.
How do I make a claim for PIP?
To begin a claim for PIP, you can call the DWP on 0800 917 2222.
People living in Scotland will have PIP replaced by the new Adult Disability Payment benefit in the coming months — find out more about that here.
Before you call, you will need:
your contact details, for example telephone number
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
After you have reached out to the DWP, they will send you a document consisting of 14 questions, as well as a section to input any additional information.
These questions relate to how your disability or condition affects your day-to-day life, and so you should put in as much relevant detail as possible.
People who have trouble filling in their form or understanding the questions should get in touch with their local council for assistance or seek help from Citizens Advice Scotland.
How much PIP could I get paid and when?
After a health professional submits their findings from your assessment, the DWP will consider the evidence and choose how much — if any — in PIP you should receive.
You will get an ‘Award letter' which will outline which of the components you have been awarded and at what rate.
PIP is paid every four weeks into your bank account.
PIP payment rates until April 2022
PIP is made up of a combination 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 awarded the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily Living
- Standard rate - £60.00 (£61.85 from April 11)
- Enhanced rate - £89.60 (£92.40 from April 11)
Mobility
- Standard rate - £23.70 (£24.45 from April 11)
Enhanced rate - £62.55 (£64.50 from April 11)
Additional payment
If you qualify for PIP, you will also receive a Christmas bonus which is £10 each year - this is paid automatically and it does not affect any other benefits which you may be receiving.
For more information about PIP, visit GOV.UK here.
