I am writing this post as several people are not aware that they may claim PIP for those who do not know what PIP is, it is a Personal Independence Payment which can help with extra living costs if you have both:
a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
difficulty carrying our certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition
It is available to people aged between 16 and State Pension age, even if you are working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.
PIP is made up of 2 parts – called ‘components’. The ‘daily living component’ is for the extra help you need with everyday tasks. This can include preparing food, washing, getting dressed or communicating with other people. The ‘mobility component’ is for the extra help you need getting around.
Who can claim PIP?
Are you eligible for the PIP daily living component?
You may be eligible for the PIP daily living component. However, first, you must be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). For this to be the case, you must have all of the following: Difficulty to achieve daily tasks, or have mobility issues that prevent you from moving around freely.
What does ‘Daily Living needs’ mean?
If you have Daily Living needs, you need help to carry out day-to-day tasks and to look after yourself, such as:
What does ‘Mobility Needs’ mean?
If you have Mobility Needs, you struggle to get active on your own, including:
You need help to plan and follow a journey
You need help to move around
The above could be due to a physical disability, a mental health issue, a sensory impairment, or a learning difficulty.
The help you need for both Daily Living and Mobility needs could be walking aids, such as a walking stick or a guide dog. It could also be a person who carries out tasks for you or with you, takes you to places and/or goes along with you to make sure you keep safe.
Personal Independence Payment weekly rates
Daily Living component
Lower rate: £61.85
Higher rate: £92.40
Mobility component
Lower rate: £24.45
Higher rate: £64.50
PIP is paid every four weeks and the rate you get is reviewed regularly to ensure you are getting the right support.
You are eligible for the higher Daily Living rate if you have a terminal illness and are not expected to live for more than six months, but the mobility rate is still determined by your personal needs.
How to claim PIP
Once you make your Claim for Personal Independence Payment it can take up to four months for it to be paid. PIP cannot be backdated but your payments will start from the date you made your claim.
To begin your claim for Personal Independence Payment, begin by calling the DWP.
Before you call, make sure you have the following information at hand:
When you have all the relevant information, call the number the number below:
England, Scotland, or Wales: 0800 917 2222 (textphone 0800 917 7777).
You can also start your application by post by writing to:
Personal Independence Payment New Claims
Wolverhampton
WV99 1AH
Unless you have a terminal illness, you will normally have to have an assessment to complete your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application. This allows you to talk about your condition and how it affects you.
There are a lot of free resources and information to support you when preparing for the assessment please take advantage of these useful resources see below:
PIP help to claim Citizens Advice
Many people who look after someone else, may not realise that they are a carer, and may be entitled to Carers Allowance.
If someone is looking after you, they may qualify for the allowance.
You may qualify for Carer’s Allowance if you:
Regularly spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone. This can include physically looking after them, any tasks you complete for them, and any time you spend keeping an eye on them. If they don’t live with you and they visit, it can also include any time you spend preparing for their visit, cleaning up after they leave, and taking them back home.
Care for someone who receives:
Again, there are several resources that you may find useful when applying for Carers Allowance see below:
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Carer-s-Allowance/What-is-Carer-s-Allowance