The number of people over 16 and under State Pension age in Scotland receiving regular financial support through Personal Independence Payments (PIP) has reached an all-time high of 313,620, according to the latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Statistics released this week show that by the end of April, there are nearly 3 million people (2,969,392) across the UK receiving payments of 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 Scottish figures show an increase of 8,341 successful claimants are now receiving either the daily living or mobility component, or a combination of both.
Overall across the UK, the number of PIP claimants has risen by 87,891 since the January figures were published.
There were also 6,205 registrations for PIP from people living in Scotland in April 2022, of which 5% were reassessments.
The latest data also indicates a significant increase in the number of people claiming for psychiatric disorders, which includes autism spectrum disorders, mood disorders and learning disorders - April saw the UK-wide number of claimants for these types of conditions rise to 1,082,483 and in Scotland to 118,983 (up by more than 3,400).
There are currently 547 listed conditions being supported by PIP and the four most common in Scotland account for 80% of claimants.
These are:
- Psychiatric disorders - 38%
- Musculoskeletal disease (general) - 20%
- Neurological disease - 13%
- Musculoskeletal disease (regional) - 9%
Below is a simplified guide to the terminology used by the DWP with an explanation of the elements involved in a claim including components, rates and how the application is scored, which in turn determines the level of award a person receives.
PIP is being replaced in Scotland by the Adult Disability Payment, which will follow the same eligibility criteria, but will take a more people-centred approach - find out more here.
We also have a dedicated section on the Daily Record website which offers help in understanding the process from start to finish and includes questions on the form, what happens during an assessment and a comprehensive breakdown of the questions you will need to answer - these and more can be found here.
What is PIP?
PIP is designed to help people living with a long-term illness, mental health condition or physical or learning disability, however, many people are put off claiming this essential benefit, wrongly assuming that they are not eligible.
Put simply, if you need extra help because of an illness, disability or mental health condition you could be eligible for PIP.
You will be assessed by a health professional to work out the level of help you can get and your rate will be reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support.
Who is eligible for PIP?
To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:
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have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
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expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months
You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition to what we have outlined above if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP - or Adult Disability Payment, depending on where you live.
- 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 outside the home
There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here.
The DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at:
- whether you can do it safely
- how long it takes you
- how often your condition affects this activity
- whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
How is PIP paid?
PIP is usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly.
PIP will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
Adult Disability Payment will be paid at the same rates as PIP.
What are the PIP payment rates?
You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support.
PIP is made up of two components:
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Daily living
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Mobility
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
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Standard rate: £61.85
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Enhanced rate: £92.40
Mobility
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Standard rate: £24.45
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Enhanced rate: £64.50
How you are assessed
You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need.
Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware that there is no choice here, it's up to the health professional and DWP.
Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant - find out more about the changes here.
You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
How do you make a claim for PIP?
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, you will need:
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your contact details
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your date of birth
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your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
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your bank or building society account number and sort code
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your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
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dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
Once you have contacted the DWP, they will send you a document to complete which consists of 14 questions. This includes space for any additional information you feel is relevant to your claim.
The questions focus on how your condition affects you, so put as much detail in as you can to help the assessor understand your physical or mental health needs.
If you have difficulty filling in your form or understanding the questions, contact your local council and ask for help or Citizens Advice Scotland.
We have a breakdown of all 14 questions here and you can take an anonymous self-test online at Benefits and Work to see how many points you would be awarded for each response.
There is also an online PIP toolkit with examples of all the questions to help you answer fully with the most relevant information, find out more about this here.
Even if you don't qualify for financial support, you could be eligible for a National Entitlement Travel Card, which offers free or reduced travel across Scotland on most public transport links.
For more information about PIP, visit GOV.UK here.
To keep up to date with the latest PIP and Adult Disability Payment news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group here, follow Record Money on Twitter here, or subscribe to our twice weekly newsletter here.
