In the latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), 5.6 million people across the UK were receiving support financially through Universal Credit in the month of August 2022.
Universal Credit is a benefit intended to help those out of work or on a low income with daily living costs, reports the Daily Record.
While many are trying to secure a job, better paid employment or a second income, they could be unaware that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) supports 547 health conditions while still claiming other benefits.
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If an individual has been living with a physical or mental health condition, long-term illness or a disability, they could be entitled to PIP - or Adult Disability Payment if you're a new claimant in Scotland.
PIP is a benefit that has been made for those over 16 and under State Pension age who are battling with a list of confirmed conditions. The latest DWP figures show that there are now more than three million people across the UK claiming PIP, with 322,387 living in Scotland.
Those who are successful in claiming PIP receive financial support of between £24.45 and £156.90 each week. As it is paid monthly, this amounts to between £97.80 and £627.60 every payment period.
Also, you do not need to have worked or be paying 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.
Many people believe that you will only be awarded PIP if you have an outwardly visible physical, long-term health condition or disability.
However, PIP is a benefit aimed at providing support for people with an ever-evolving list of 'hidden' conditions, including stress, anxiety and depression.
In order to be eligible for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability that gives you difficulty with daily living or getting around (or both) for at least three months. You also 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.
So, which conditions are supported through PIP?
List of conditions supported through PIP
This list is merely an overview of conditions, disorders and diseases, a d how the DWP lists the main disabilities being claimed. A total of 547 other conditions fall under these main disability categories.
- Haematological Disease
- Infectious disease
- Malignant disease
- Metabolic disease
- Psychiatric disorders
- Neurological disease
- Visual disease
- Hearing disorders
- Cardiovascular disease
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract
- Skin disease
- Musculoskeletal disease (general)
- Musculoskeletal disease (regional)
- Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)
- Genitourinary disease
- Endocrine disease
- Respiratory disease
- Multisystem and extremes of age
- Diseases of the immune system
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
PIP is typically paid monthly, 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 to undergo an assessment to work out the level of financial support you need and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support.
PIP rates are made up of two main components: daily living and mobility. Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
The following rates will be paid 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
You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need. You can be assessed face-to-face, on the phone, via video call or through a paper-based consultation.
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. You will need your contact details, date of birth, and the following:
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.
For more information about PIP, visit GOV.UK here.
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