The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that, by the end of October 2022, there were more than three million people across Great Britain claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The regional breakdown includes nearly 330,000 claimants living in Scotland, 2.6million in England and 226,000 in Wales.
PIP is gradually being replaced in Scotland by the devolved benefit, Adult Disability Payment (ADP), which rolled out nationwide to new claimants at the end of August after a phased rollout which began in March. At the end of October 2022, some 3,470 people were in receipt of ADP.
A successful claim for PIP or ADP is worth between £24.45 and £156.90 each week in additional financial support, and, as the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £97.80 and £627.60 every payment period.
The new data also revealed that there are now more than 135,530 people receiving support for 24 types of respiratory conditions including Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and pneumonia.
Breakdown of PIP claimants with respiratory conditions
There are no statistics for the number of people living in Scotland claiming Adult Disability Payment, however, the number of PIP claimants are listed below.
- Scotland: 17,179
- England: 109,288
- Wales: 9,062
- Total (including claimants living abroad): 135,530
This is the list of 24 respiratory conditions being supported through PIP to help with either daily living, mobility needs or a combination of both components. Assessment award rates vary by disabling condition and a PIP claimant’s main disabling condition is recorded during their assessment in over 99 per cent of cases, reports the DWP.
Diseases of the upper respiratory tract
- Sleep apnoea - obstructive
- Upper respiratory tract - Other diseases of / type not known
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic bronchitis
- Emphysema
Bronchiectasis
Cystic Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis
- Extrinsic allergic alveolitis
- Fibrosing alveolitis
- Pulmonary fibrosis - Other / type not known
Pneumoconiosis
- Asbestosis
- Pneumoconiosis - coalworkers
- Pneumoconiosis - Other / type not known
- Silicosis
Granulomatous lung disease and pulmonary infiltration
- Granulomatous lung disease and pulmonary infiltration - Other / type not known
- Sarcoidosis
Disease of the pleura
- Empyema
- Pleura - Other diseases of / type not known
- Pleural effusion
- Pneumothorax
Lung transplantation
Heart and lung transplantation
Pulmonary embolus
Pneumonia
Lower respiratory tract - Other diseases of / type not known
Even though PIP is being replaced in Scotland by the Adult Disability Payment, it follows the same eligibility criteria. Below is a simplified guide to the terminology used by the DWP with an explanation of the elements involved in a PIP claim including components, rates and how the application is scored, which in turn, determines the level of award a person receives.
Financial support for people with respiratory conditions
People over 16 and under State Pension age
PIP and Adult Disability Payments are benefits for working adults who need extra help because of an illness, disability or mental health condition.
PIP and ADP payment rates until April 2023
PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it can be paid weekly.
Daily Living Component
- Enhanced: £92.40
- Standard: £61.85
Mobility Component
- Enhanced: £64.50
- Standard: £24.45
Find out more about claiming PIP here and ADP here.
People who have reached State Pension age
People of State Pension age or over are also receiving support for a neurological condition through Attendance Allowance.
The most recent data shows that 28,029 older people across Great Britain are getting financial support of either £61.85 or £92.40 each week from the DWP, depending on the level of support needed during the day or night. This includes 2,456 living in Scotland.
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental health condition, disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself, but it does not cover mobility needs.
You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.
Find out more about Attendance Allowance here.
Who is eligible for PIP or ADP?
To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:
have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
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
There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here. The DWP or Social Security Scotland 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 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 for PIP. 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:
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
How do you make a claim for ADP?
You can apply online, over the phone, by post or in person to Social Security Scotland for Adult Disability Payment - full details on mygov.scot here. If you have difficulty filling in your form or understanding the questions, contact your local council and ask for help or Citizens Advice Scotland.
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out four times each week - sign up here.
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