PIP Rates: What are you entitled to?

What is PIP?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is money for people who have extra care or mobility needs because of disability. It’s different to the personal health budget.

There are two parts to the PIP rates; the daily living component and the mobility component.

And each component is paid at either a standard or an enhanced PIP rate.

The PIP money is to help pay towards the extra costs arising from having a long-term health condition or disability that is expected to last 12 months or more. This includes paying for home care.

It is based on the effect the long-term condition has on your life and not on the condition itself.

Daily living component PIP Vs mobility component PIP rates

You can apply for both the living and mobility components to access the PIP rates.

Firstly let’s look at the daily component.

Daily component of PIP rates:

To apply for the daily component, your disability or health condition means you may need help doing certain things. 

This may include handling money, making food, eating and drinking, washing and bathing. As well as dressing and undressing, speaking, reading, socialising, or going to the toilet.

The amount of PIP that you get depends on how many points you score in the PIP test for daily living and the PIP test for mobility. 

You get the standard rate if you score between eight and 11 points for your daily living needs in the PIP test.

And you get the enhanced rate if you score 12 points or more. 

You automatically qualify for the enhanced PIP rate of the daily living component if you are terminally ill.

So whether you get the mobility part depends on your needs.

Now, let’s look at the mobility component.

Mobility component of PIP rates:

To be eligible for the mobility component, you may have problems getting around outside your home independently. 

You may, for example, have a problem planning a journey, or have difficulty walking or perhaps are unable to walk at all.

Individuals get the standard rate if they score between eight and 11 points for their mobility needs in the PIP test.

So you receive the enhanced PIP rate if you score 12 points or more. 

Due to the 3.1% rise in the PIP rate from April 11 2022, somebody who is receiving the highest rate for both the daily living and mobility components will see a jump in their monthly payment from £608.60 to £627.60, which is an increase of £19.

Over the course of the 2022/23 financial year, this PIP rate rise is equivalent to between £1,271.40 and £8,158.80 in extra financial support for those claiming PIP.

And don’t forget, you could be eligible for one or both PIP rates.

How do I qualify for PIP?

To qualify for PIP, you must score enough points, as described above, on the PIP test for daily living or mobility (or both).

This test is what the DWP use to decide whether you are entitled to the benefit.

There are two sections, daily living and mobility and there are activities for each section.

You are given points for each activity, depending on your ability and how much help you need to do it. These points are added together.

Who is entitled to PIP?

Everyone aged over 16 and under the state pension age is eligible to apply for PIP.

It is not means-tested and it is not taxable.

You can receive PIP if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.

So, if you have daily living/or mobility needs you could be entitled to PIP.

It’s certainly worth checking out the PIP rates.

It’s important to remember that your needs must have lasted for the past three months and be expected to last for the next nine months unless you are terminally ill.

How long do you get PIP payments for?

PIP is commonly awarded for a fixed time. However, there are situations where an ongoing award will be granted.

If you’re terminally ill, you will automatically be awarded PIP for three years.

How PIP rates paid?

PIP is paid directly into your bank, building or post office account every four weeks.

But if you’re living with a terminal illness, it will be paid weekly.

How do I make a PIP claim?

Firstly, contact the PIP centre.

Secondly, be prepared to provide details including your date of birth, GP details and bank and building society information. 

You will be sent a form and be asked to say how the disability affects you and your daily life.

And your application may appear stronger if you provide supporting information. 

Finally, supporting information may include prescription lists, care plans, or information from your doctor or others involved in your care.

Your PIP claim will be assessed by an independent health assessor who may contact your GP for further details.

And you may have to have an assessment if there is insufficient information.

They may ask for further information on how your condition affects your daily and mobility tasks and about any treatments. 

This assessment may be in person or via phone or video call. See here for help from Citizens Advice on how to prepare for the assessment.

It will be the PIP case manager who makes the final decision based on the information you have provided.

And remember, if your claim is unsuccessful, you can appeal the decision.

Your PIP review

In your letter telling you that your PIP has been approved, it will also state when your claim will end and if it will be reviewed. 

But your PIP continues to be paid as you are being reviewed.

Once again, you will be asked to fill in a form and include supporting documentation you have not shared with the DWP before. 

And depending on whether your needs have changed, your PIP may be reduced, stopped or increased.

Claiming PIP in Scotland

While most people will have their claims unchanged and administered by the DWP, those living in Scotland are set to have their payments taken care of by Social Security Scotland.

And in 2022, changes to PIP in Scotland will include the end to physical tests as part of the assessment process and alterations to how mobility claims are put through.

Time to get started with PIP rates

So, as you review your finances, it’s worth finding out more about PIP and the PIP rates that could apply to you.

And if you’re not sure, ask your GP, your care assistant or speak to a friend or relative who may help.

Call the PIP new claims phone line: 0800 917 2222

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