27 June 2024 , 11:15
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Fresh data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) shows that over 3.5 million people across Great Britain are currently claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The switch from PIP to the devolved payment is still ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of next year. The DWP's figures also reveal that 250,000 new claims for PIP were filed in England and Wales in the three months leading up to April - the highest level of applications since the benefit was introduced in 2013.
Just over a third (36%) of cases received the maximum award, which equates to £737.20 every four-week payment period.
PIP or ADP supports more than 540 health conditions, but this list is not exhaustive and includes an 'unknown' category. A successful claim for PIP or ADP can provide between £28.70 and £184.30 each week in additional financial support.
As the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £114.80 and £737.20 per payment period, reports the Daily Record.
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The five most commonly recorded PIP health conditions.
Psychiatric disorder | 1,347,889 claimants (37%) | This includes mixed anxiety, stress, depressive and mood disorders, OCD and cognitive disorders |
Musculoskeletal disease (general) | 672,201 claimants (20%) | This includes muscle or joint pain and arthritic conditions |
Neurological disease | 465,187 claimants (13%) | This includes muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, headache, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy and other movement disorders  Cowboy gored to death by bull in New Year's Eve rodeo tragedy
|
Musculoskeletal disease (regional) | 416,878 claimants (12%) | This includes neck, back, shoulders, elbow, wrists, hands, hip, knee and ankle pain |
Respiratory disease | 138,003 claimants (4%) | This includes asthma, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis |
This includes asthma, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis.
An award for PIP or ADP can also lead to additional support for housing costs, Council Tax, other benefits and reduced travel on public transport.
Disabling conditions recorded by DWP
These are the main disability categories, the umbrella term by which a total of 547 other conditions fall under. This list is only an overview of conditions, disorders and diseases and how the DWP lists the main disabilities being claimed for:.
- 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.
- Unknown or missing.
- Total number of PIP claimants - 3,544,042.
Here's a brief rundown of PIP and ADP. Although new claims for PIP have been replaced by ADP in Scotland, the eligibility criteria remain largely the same.
You can find comprehensive guidance on ADP on the MYGOV. SCOT website.
So, who might qualify for PIP or ADP?
To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you need to have a health condition or disability that causes:
- difficulties with daily living or mobility (or both) for 3 months.
- expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months.
Typically, you should have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition, if your condition necessitates or results in you needing help with any of the following, you should consider applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance (AA).
- preparing, cooking or eating food.
- managing your medication.
- washing, bathing or using the toilet.
- dressing and undressing.
- interacting and communicating with other people.
- reading and understanding written information.
- making decisions about money.
- planning a journey or following a route.
- moving around.
Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the GOV. UK website.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will examine each task based on:.
How are PIP and AA paid?
PIP and AA are typically paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. Payments will be made directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
AA is paid at the same rates as PIP.
PIP and AA payment rates for 2024/25
An assessment will be required to determine the level of financial aid you will receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP consists of two components:
- Daily living.
- Mobility.
Whether you receive one or both of these and the amount depends on the severity of your condition's impact on you.
Depending on your circumstances, you will be paid the following amounts per week:.
Daily living
- Standard rate: £72.65.
- Enhanced rate: £108.55.
Mobility
- Standard rate: £28.70.
- Enhanced rate: £75.75.
Assessment Process
An independent healthcare professional will assess you to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need for PIP.
Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant.
How to Claim for PIP?
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.
Before you call, you will need:
- your contact details.
- your date of birth.
- 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.
How to Apply for ADP
People can apply for ADP over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.