New data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that in June 2022 there were approximately 5.6 million people throughout Scotland and the UK claiming Universal Credit.
The benefit is for people out of work or on a low income to help them with day-to-day costs. With the cost of living crisis continuing to worsen and UK inflation surging to a 40-year high, households across the UK are struggling financially.
Many people attempting to cut back on costs to ensure they can pay their bills may be unaware that they could qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The DWP benefit can be claimed for around 550 health conditions and disabilities.
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If you have a long-term physical or mental health condition of disability, you could qualify for hundreds of pounds a month through the benefit.
As reported by the Daily Record, here is everything you need to know about PIP.
What is PIP?
PIP is a DWP benefit paid to people over 16 and under the State Pension age with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that impacts their day-to-day life.
Approximately 310,000 people in Scotland receive between £24.45 and £156.90 a week through the benefit. Since the benefit is paid every four weeks, this equates to £97.80 and £627.60.
You do not need to have been employed or to have paid National Insurance contributions to be eligible for PIP. The benefit is also not means-tested, so your income and savings are not relevant.
Many people falsely believe that they do not qualify for PIP since they do not have an outwardly visible disability. However, the benefit can be paid to those with 'hidden' conditions such as anxiety and depression.
In order to qualify for PIP, you must have had a health condition for three months that has impacted your daily life, and you must expect it to continue impacting your life for at least a further nine months.
In addition, you normally must have lived in the UK for at least two out of the three years before applying, and need to be in the UK when applying.
Who is eligible for PIP?
If you need or already receive assistance with any of the following tasks, you may be eligible for PIP:
- preparing, cooking or eating food
- managing your medication
- washing, bathing or using the toilet
- dressing and undressing
- engaging and communicating with other people
- reading and understanding written information
- making decisions about money
- planning a journey or following a route
- moving around
PIP payment rates for 2022/23
When applying for PIP, you will be assessed by a health professional, who will determine how much money you should get. Your case will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure you are receiving the right level of support.
PIP consists of a daily living component and a mobility component. Whether you receive one or both of these will depend on your individual circumstances and the extent to which your condition affects you.
Daily living
Standard rate: £61.85
Enhanced rate: £92.40
Mobility
Standard rate: £24.45
Enhanced rate: £64.50
How do you make a claim for PIP?
Before making a claim for PIP, you should read through the key information on the GOV.UK website here.
You will need to have:
your contact details
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 made contact with the DWP, they will send out a document for you to complete consisting of 14 questions. There will also be space for additional information about your condition, and it is recommended you include as much detail as possible.
If you require help completing the form, reach out to your local council for help or get in touch with Citizens Advice Scotland.
For more information about PIP, visit GOV.UK here.
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