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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled the latest figures, indicating a staggering 3.5 million people across Great Britain are now in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Throughout this financial year, thousands of older individuals in Scotland, England, and Wales are being supported with sums between £114.80 to £737.20 every four weeks, as reported by the Daily Record.
A vital amendment made to the PIP guidelines in 2019 might have slipped under the radar for many citizens over 56 nearing the State Pension age. The modified guideline elucidates that “claimants whose review would have taken place when they were of State Pension age means that they are now generally awarded ongoing awards”.
Assessments for eligibility and frequency of reviews are meticulously personalised based on each claimant’s unique circumstances, including the likelihood of changes in their conditions. Considerations include potential upcoming medical interventions or adjustments in managing one’s condition.
DWP guidance states:
- For fixed length awards, the review period usually ranges from a minimum of nine months to a maximum 10 years
- Review periods of less than nine months are set only in exceptional circumstances
- An award of two years or less is considered short-term
Combined incomes
The full New State Pension is currently valued at £221.20 per week (£884.80 every four weeks), while the Basic State Pension can reach up to £169.50 (£678 every four weeks). The amount you receive depends on your National Insurance contributions.
State pension payments are m and PIP payments are made separately but could provide a combined monthly income of up to £1,622. This is based on someone receiving the full New State Pension and the highest PIP or ADP awards for both daily living and mobility components.
PIP Payment rates 2024/25
PIP payment rates for 2024/25 require an assessment to determine the level of financial assistance you will receive. Your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you’re getting the right support, with payments made every four weeks.
PIP consists of two components: Daily Living and Mobility. Whether you receive one or both, and how much you get, depends on the severity of your condition.
The weekly payment amounts depending on your circumstances are as follows:.
Daily Living: Standard rate is £72.65, Enhanced rate is £108.55.
Mobility: Standard rate is £28.70, Enhanced rate is £75.75.
PIP and State Pension age
Once someone reaches State Pension age, they can no longer make a new claim for PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
However, individuals already receiving PIP and DLA, when they reach State Pension age will continue to receive the benefit until the end of the award period, at which point it will be reviewed as per usual procedures.
Those who reach State Pension age and are no longer claiming any of the working-age disability benefits may also be able to reclaim them – provided they are claiming for the same health conditions that they initially received the award for and their last claim ended less than 12 months before reaching State Pension age.
For those over State Pension age with a health condition, long-term illness or disability, they may be eligible for Attendance Allowance – this is worth either £72.65 or £108.55 every week from DWP.
Who qualifies for PIP ?
To be eligible for PIP you must have a health condition or disability where you:
- have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months.
- expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months.
To apply, you typically need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you submit your application.
If you require assistance with any of the following due to your condition, as outlined above, you should consider applying for PIP.
- preparing, cooking or eating food
- managing your medication
- washing, bathing or using the toilet
- dressing and undressing
- engaging and communicating with other people
- reading and understanding written information
- making decisions about money
- planning a journey or following a route
- moving around
The DWP will evaluate how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will examine each task based on:.
How you are assessed
An independent healthcare professional will assess you to assist the DWP in determining the level of financial support, if any, you require for PIP.
Health-related benefits consultations are available face-to-face, via video calls, telephone, and paper-based assessments – it’s crucial to understand that the choice is up to the health professional and DWP.
How to make a new claim for PIP
You can initiate a new claim by contacting the DWP. All the information you need to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, ensure you have:
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your contact details
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your date of birth
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your National Insurance number – this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
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your bank or building society account number and sort code
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your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
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dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital