Millions of Britons are currently claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIPs) from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).Those with serious illnesses or conditions that make it difficult to perform simple everyday tasks can receive cash through the PIP system.
Few people knew that PIP was separate from Universal Credit, however, the DWP confirmed that it had received registrations of 180,000 new claims between July 2021 and October 2021.This is the highest quarterly level of new claims registrations since the start of the PIP in 2013.About 25,000 changes in circumstances were also reported.
The data also shows that new claims currently take 24 weeks to complete, from registration to decision.That means people who are considering making a new claim for PIP should consider filing one now, before the end of the year, to ensure the application process takes place in early 2022, the Daily Record said.
Many people put off applying for PIP because they don’t think their condition is eligible, but it’s important to remember how the condition affects your ability to perform everyday tasks and move around your home, which is important to DWP decision makers – not the condition itself.
The benefit is designed to help people with long-term medical conditions, mental health conditions or physical or learning disabilities, however, many people delay applying for this basic benefit because they mistakenly believe they are ineligible.The PIP claimant’s primary disability was recorded during the assessment period in over 99% of cases.Of the claims assessed under normal DWP rules since July, 81% of new claims and 88% of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) reassessed claims were recorded as having one of the five most common disabling conditions.
Below is a simplified guide to the terminology used by the DWP, which explains the elements involved in a claim, including components, rates, and how the application is scored, which in turn determines the level of award a person receives.
You don’t need to work or pay National Insurance contributions to qualify for PIP, it doesn’t matter what your income is, whether you have any savings, whether you are working or not – or on leave.
The DWP will determine the eligibility of your PIP claim within 12 months, looking back at 3 and 9 months – they have to consider whether your condition has changed over time.
You will normally need to have lived in Scotland for at least two of the past three years and be in the country at the time of application.
If you qualify for PIP, you’ll also get a £10 a year Christmas bonus – this is paid out automatically and doesn’t affect any other benefits you might get.
The decision about whether you are entitled to the Daily Life component, and if so, at what rate, is based on your total score in the following activities:
Each of these activities is divided into multiple scoring descriptors.To be rewarded in the daily life section, you need to score:
You can only earn one set of points from each activity, and if two or more apply from the same activity, only the highest will be counted.
The rate at which you are entitled to the liquidity component and if so depends on your total score in the following activities:
Both activities are divided into a number of scoring descriptors.To be awarded the Mobility Component you need to score:
As with the daily life section, you can only get the highest score that applies to you from each activity.
These are the questions on the PIP 2 claim form, also known as the ‘how your disability affects you’ evidence document.
List all physical and mental health conditions and disabilities you have and the dates they started.
This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to prepare a simple meal for one person and heat it on the stovetop or microwave until it’s safe to eat.This includes preparing food, using utensils and kitchen equipment, and cooking your own meals.
This question is about whether your condition makes it difficult for you to wash or bathe in a standard tub or shower that has not been adapted in any way.
This question asks you to describe any difficulties you have with dressing or undressing.This means putting on and taking off proper untouched clothing – including shoes and socks.
This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to manage day-to-day purchases and transactions.
You may also use it to provide any other information you deem necessary.There is no right or wrong type of information to include, but it’s a good idea to use this space to tell DWP:
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To start the application process you will need to contact the DWP on 0800 917 2222 (text phone 0800 917 7777).
If you are unable to claim over the phone, you can request a paper form, but this may delay your claim.
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