About PIP and Eligibility
If you suffer from a long-term illness or disability, you may be met with the challenge of managing your care expenses alongside your day-to-day life.
Fortunately, in the UK, we are privy to several valuable benefits that may enhance your quality of life by enabling you to make ends meet, such as Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
The Purpose of Personal Independence Payments
Personal Independence Payments are available to aid older individuals with illnesses or disabilities that require specialised care. The money can help cover the costs associated with living with a long-term health condition or disability.
The Components of Personal Independence Payments
PIP is non-taxable and does not require a means test. Your income or savings is irrelevant and will not be reviewed to apply PIP. There are two components of PIP; you may qualify for both.
- Daily Living – You require help with daily tasks.
- Mobility – You require help to get out and about on your own due to sensory, physical, mental, or learning disabilities.
Personal Independence Payments Eligibility Requirements
- You are over 16 but under the State Pension age.
- You have a mental or physical disability or illness.
- You have struggled with daily living and mobility for at least three months.
- You anticipate at least nine more months of hardships.
- You do not claim Armed Forces Independence (You cannot claim both).
Personal Independence Payments for the Terminally Ill
There are exceptions to PIP eligibility requirements if you have been diagnosed as terminally ill and have a life expectancy of fewer than six months, according to your GP or another medical professional. In these cases, the only eligibility requirement is to be over 16 and under the state pension age.
Daily Living Component
To be deemed as having trouble with daily living needs, you must require help with daily tasks that are a part of everyday life, including:
- Eating or drinking
- Managing hygiene
- Taking medication or addressing health issues
- Going to the toilet and continence management
- Dressing
- Communicating or socializing
- Reading or understanding information
- Handling finances
Mobility Component
The mobility component addresses issues individuals may face when they try to get out and about on their own as they struggle to move around. This can result from a physical, mental, sensory, or learning disability.
Personal Independence Payment Amounts
The components and rates you qualify for will determine the amount you receive. Certain individuals receive the daily living or mobility component; however, you may be eligible for both.
As for the rates, there is a high and low rates for each component. An independent health professional will assess your condition to determine the appropriate rate.
Personal Independence Payment Weekly Rates
Daily Living Component
- Low rate: £61.85
- High rate: £92.40
Mobility Component
- Low rate: £24.45
- High rate: £64.50
Individuals with terminal illnesses are prequalified for the high daily living rate, but the mobility rate remains needs-based. PIP is paid every four weeks and is subject to frequent review, ensuring individuals get sufficient aid.
Registering for Personal Independence Payments
To receive PIP, the first step is registering your claim. For England, Scotland, or Wales, you may telephone the DWP. For Northern Ireland, telephone the DFC.
Personal Independence Payments cannot be backdated. Your payments will begin on the date of your claim, as it can take four months to receive PIP.
Information Required for PIP Registration
You will need to provide the DWP or DFC with the following:
- Your name, address, and contact details
- Nationality or immigration status
- National insurance number
- Bank or building society details
- Your GP or other health professionals’ details
- Information on your previous hospital or residential care
- Information on trips overseas in the last three years
Claim Form
Once you’ve registered for Personal Independence Payments, you will be sent a form known as PIP2: How Your Disability Affects You. This form is personal to you and must be filled in precisely as it determines your eligibility for proper support. The form must be completed and sent back within one month.
Additional Elements for Your Claim Form
You are entitled to include additional evidence to support your claim, including:
- Medical records
- Letters from health professionals
- A list, journal, or diary of daily routines
- Testimonials from loved ones
The Face-to-Face Assessment
Once your claim form is received, the DWP will either consult your GP or healthcare professional or ask you to do a medical assessment with an independent health professional to determine your needs. You will typically receive seven days’ notice of the evaluation.
The PIP Face-to-Face Assessment Procedure
The independent healthcare professional will take notes and evaluate your daily living abilities and mobility functions. They will ask questions about the medications or therapies you are using and discuss aspects of your health and treatment path. They may also ask questions about life outside your illness or disability, such as your activities or responsibilities.
The Personal Independence Payment Decision
Once you have successfully completed the steps required to submit your claim for PIP, you will receive a letter with the decision from the DWP. The letter will explain whether you are eligible and the components and rates you qualify for.
PIP for Individuals Who Are Terminally Ill
The PIP claim process is significantly less drawn out for individuals who are terminally ill, as there is no need for an assessment. The process goes as follows:
- Register with the DWP of DFC for your claim.
- Have your healthcare professional fill in form DS15000 and turn it into the DWP or DFC.
Switching From Disability Living Allowance to PIP
Some people who have reached 65 by 8 April 2013 will continue receiving DLA. DLA payments will stop for others, and the DWP will formally send you a request to fill out a PIP claim. For residents of Northern Ireland, your letter will be sent from a Social Security Agent. Rates are subject to change as the benefits have differing criteria.
Does PIP Affect Other Benefits?
You receive PIP in addition to other benefits.
PIP may also increase the amount of money you receive and entitle you to extra money with premiums on the following benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (daily living only)
- Pension Credit (daily living only)
How Can I Apply for Benefits or Premiums?
To learn more about PIP’s various benefits or premiums, you should speak to your local authority or trust. Explain to them that you are receiving PIP and are interested in the other routes available to you, such as premiums.
How Do I Begin My PIP Registration Process?
If you’re in England, Scotland, or Wales, you may register through the DWP by telephone at 0900 917 2222 or textphone at 0800 917 7777. You may also begin your application by post by writing to:
Personal Independence Payment New Claims
Post Handling Site B
Wolverhampton
WV99 1AH
Where Is the Face-to-Face Assessment Held?
They can be conducted in various locations, such as specialist assessment centres, local healthcare centres, or your home, upon request. When you fill in your claim form, you may note that you’d prefer the assessment to be held in your home due to health or disability hardships. You will need to include a note from your doctor to support your request.
What if I Am Over the State Pension Age?
If you may be able to receive PIP if you are above the state pension age if:
- You received PIP before reaching the state pension age, and your illness or disability has not changed.
- You have been claiming DLA and have been formally invited by the Department for Work and Pensions to apply for PIP.
Contact Care At Home Specialists Today
With many years of valuable experience, we have helped countless individuals and families navigate the complexities of claiming benefits and assisting people in understanding what they are entitled to due to their illness or disability.
Contact us today to learn more about the valuable benefits that can aid your care costs.