As the number of people claiming DWP disability benefits reaches record highs, people are being urged to check if they could qualify for (Personal Independence Payment).
The benefit provides payments to help towards the extra costs of living with an illness or health condition, with different amounts depending on how you are affected in your mobility or in your daily living.
More than 3.6 million people were receiving disability benefits as of the end of April 2023, with over a third of people on PIP getting the highest level of payment, which amounts to £737.20 each four week pay period.
For those thinking of making a claim for PIP, you can carry out an online 'PIP test'. People in Scotland will need to apply for ADP (Adult Disability Payment), which has the same payment rates and when it comes to this test, the same criteria apply.
Your award is based on how many points you get showing how much you are affected by your condition, and the PIP test will give you an indication of the score you would get and the payment you would be entitled to.
The is run by independent benefits group, Benefits and Work, and so this does not guarantee eligibility for PIP or for ADP or how much you will get.
The anonymous PIP self-test includes questions and the points awarded for each descriptor answer. It will help you understand whether you would score enough points to receive PIP for each component (daily living and mobility), and whether you would qualify for the standard or enhanced rate of each component.
Who is eligible for PIP?To qualify for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:
- Have experienced difficulties with your daily living either/or mobility for 3 months
- Anticipate that these difficulties will continue for at least 12 months from when they started.
You may want to consider applying for PIP if you have difficulties with any of these activities:
- Reading and understanding written information
- Preparing, cooking or eating food
- Engaging and communicating with other people
- Making decisions about money
- Moving around
- Dressing and undressing
- Planning a journey or following a route
- Washing, bathing or using the toilet
- Managing your medication
PIP or ADP currently supports more than 540 health conditions, but there is no comprehensive list so if your condition affects you regularly with relation to the above aspects, you may qualify.
How much is PIP?A successful claim for PIP currently pays between £28.70 and £184.30 each week, with rates set at a weekly amount, but paid every four weeks.
This means you will get between £114.80 and £737.20 each four-week payment period.
These are the current payment rates, with a lower and higher rate for both parts, depending on your level of need.
Daily living
- Standard rate: £72.65
- Enhanced rate: £108.55.
Mobility
- Standard rate: £28.70
- Enhanced rate: £75.75.
