MILLIONS suffering from long-term health conditions or disabilities get cash help through Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The payments can be worth up to £172.75 a week, so if you don’t claim it already, check to see if you’re eligible.
GettyPIP claimants must report certain changes in circumstances to the DWP[/caption]
To get PIP you must have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you’re terminally ill with less than 12 months to live).
But strict rules set out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which administers the benefit mean that claimants need to report a change in circumstances.
If you fail to report one of several changes in your own personal circumstances you could be forced to repay the cash you’ve been paid.
The DWP says that you could even be taken to court if you give the wrong information.
You must contact the PIP enquiry line if:
Your personal details change, for example, your name, address or doctorThe help you need or your condition changesYour condition has worsened and you’re not expected to live More than 12 monthsYou go into hospital or a care homeYou go abroadYou’re imprisoned or held in detentionYour immigration status has changed, if you’re not a British citizen
But there are six major changes that you do not need to report to the DWP. You do not need to notify the DWP if you:
Start a new jobStop claiming other benefitsChange roles at work – unless the amount of help you need has changedLeave a jobAre made redundantTake retirement
If you do think you need to report a change in circumstances you must call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433.
If you need someone to help you, you can:
Ask for them to be added to your call – you cannot do this if you use textphoneAsk someone else to call on your behalf – you’ll need to be with them when they call
We’ve explained everything you need to know about PIP below.
Who can get PIP?
PIP is available to those aged 16 or over but not yet at the state pension age.
The current state pension age is 66 but this is set to rise to 68.
You must have lived in England or Wales for at least two of the last three years, and be in one of these countries when you apply.
The process is different in Northern Ireland, and there are additional rules if you live abroad or if you’re not a British citizen.
In Scotland you will need to apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead.
Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you’re terminally ill with less than 12 months to live).
Difficulties with daily living can include:
Preparing or eating foodWashing, bathing and using the toiletDressing and undressingReading and communicatingManaging your medicines or treatmentsMaking decisions about moneyEngaging with other people
You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment.
If you receive constant attendance allowance you will receive less of the daily living part of PIP.
If you get war pensioners‘ mobility supplement you will not get the mobility part of PIP.
Do I have to be in work to get PIP?
No, you can get PIP whether you’re working or not.
You can also claim PIP if you’re already getting limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) payments if you claim Universal Credit.
Households eligible for LCWRA payments usually have a health condition which prevents or limits their ability to work.
How much do I get from PIP?
PIP is made up of two parts and whether you get one or both of these depends on how severely your condition affects you.
How much you get also depends on how your condition affects you.
You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around. The weekly rate for this is either £26 or £71.
While on the daily living part of PIP, the weekly rate is either £68.10 or £101.75 – and you could get both elements, so up to £172.75 in total.
You’ll be assessed by a health professional to work out the level of help you can get and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you’re getting the right support.
Payments are usually made every four weeks directly into your bank account, and they’re tax-free.
Just bear in mind that if you get PIP and constant attendance allowance or war pensioners’ mobility supplement, the daily living part of your PIP will be reduced.
How do I apply for PIP?
You can make a new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim by calling the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 917 2222.
This is the government department tasked with paying out benefits to millions every year.
There are also other ways to claim if you find it difficult to use a telephone. See Gov.UK for more information.
When you claim, you’ll need:
Your contact detailsDate of birthNational Insurance numberBank or building society account number and sort codeYour doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone numberDates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
Someone else can call on your behalf, but you’ll need to be with them when they call.
You’ll then be sent a form to fill in, after which you’ll be invited for an assessment or your health or social care worker will be asked for information.
After this, you’ll be sent a letter telling you if your claim has been successful.
You can read Citizens Advice’s help on preparing for an assessment.