Thousands of Universal Credit claimants could get an extra £156 every week if they are also eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show 5.6million people across the UK get Universal Credit - a benefit for those out of work or on a low income.
That figure is expected to rise this year after changes in November 2021 mean 500,000 more people can get Universal Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance.
But many Universal Credit claimants may also be eligible for PIP benefits - claimed by 3million people currently.
PIP is a benefit for those over 16 and under State Pension age, that can help with daily living costs and mobility needs as the result of a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition.
You don’t need to have worked or paid National Insurance to qualify for PIP.
It isn’t means-tested either, so it doesn’t matter what your income is, how much you have in savings, or whether you're currently employed, the Daily Record reports.
The biggest misconception about PIP is that the DWP will only award the benefit to people with outwardly visible physical, long-term health conditions or disabilities.
In fact, PIP is a benefit aimed at providing support for people with an ever-evolving list of 'hidden' conditions, including stress, anxiety and depression.
To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:
have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months
expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine 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.
Who is eligible for PIP?
If you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying 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
There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here.
How is PIP paid?
PIP is usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid every week.
PIP will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
PIP payment rates for 2022/23
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:
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 paid up to the following amounts per week, depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
Standard rate: £61.85
Enhanced rate: £92.40
Mobility
Standard rate: £24.45
Enhanced rate: £64.50
How you are assessed
You will be assessed to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you can get.
Face-to-face assessments for health-related benefits, including PIP, are now offered by the DWP alongside telephone, video call and paper-based consultations.
You can find help on preparing for any type of PIP assessment 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
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.
For more information about PIP, visit GOV.UK here.
