The latest 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 Personal Independence Payment (PIP), including 329,334 living in Scotland. The figures also show that nearly half a million people of State Pension age are also in receipt of PIP.
Across the UK, some 486,940 older people are getting support through the disability payment, including 52,676 in Scotland. PIP currently provides between £24.45 and £156.90 each week, but 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.
PIP and State Pension age
When someone reaches State Pension age, they can no longer make a new claim for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) - the new disability benefit replacing PIP for people in Scotland.
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 ends where it will be reviewed in the normal process.
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. Find out more about claiming Attendance Allowance here.
UK PIP breakdown - October 2022
Number of people of State Pension age claiming PIP:
- Scotland: 52,676
- England: 393,654
- Wales: 40,616
- UK Total: 486,940
Potential income for pensioners 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 er 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
Overall, this amounts to a potential annual increase of £1,796.60.
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 / Adult Disability 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- find out more here.
To keep up to date with the latest State Pension or PIP news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out four times each week - sign up here.
READ NEXT
Future of State Pension Triple Lock rule is 'difficult decision’ for UK Government
Pension Credit myths which stop thousands of older people claiming £3,500 annual top-up
New cost of living payments worth up to £1,350 for millions of people this year
Proposed State Pension age changes could mean you need to work longer before retirement
People nearing State Pension age could be due wide range of extra benefits during retirement
