The Government is to announce plans to change the disability benefits system, which would affect millions of disabled people.
The BBC reported that the personal independence payment (PIP) changes could include ending cash payments. This would involve claimants receiving one-off grants for things including home adaptations.
The Government says the rising benefits bill rate is unsustainable and should be revamped to ensure those most in need receive the help they need.
The BBC said the disability charity Scope described the move as a "reckless assault on disabled people".
More than 3.3 million people in Britain receive PIP to help with the extra cost of living with a health condition or disability.
Additionally, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has increased PIP rates for 2024.
Amid the soaring cost of living, monthly PIP payments will rise by 6.7 per cent from April 2024.
So, what is the personal independence payment, how can you apply for it, and does it affect the amount you receive in universal credit?
Here is everything we know, including the difference between daily living PIP and mobility PIP.
What is the personal independence payment?
The personal independence payment is a welfare benefit in the UK.
It is designed to help people with the extra costs associated with long-term illness, disability, or mental health conditions.
PIP replaced the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people between 16 and state pension age in April 2013.
It is not means-tested, so it does not matter how much income or savings you have. PIP is based on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself.
How much is PIP in 2024?
The Government website says the new PIP rates are as follows:
Daily living component
Standard 2024/25: £72.65
Enhanced 2024/25: £108.55
Mobility component
Standard 2024/25: £28.70
Enhanced 2024/25: £75.75
Who is eligible for PIP?
The Government website says you can get PIP if all of the following apply to you:
- you’re 16 or over.
- you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
- you havedifficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around.
- you expect the difficulties to last at least 12 months from when they started.
You must also be understate pension ageif you’ve not receivedPIP.
If you live in Scotland, you mustapply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP)instead.
If you’re over the state pension age, you can apply foran Attendance Allowanceinstead. If you’ve receivedPIPbefore, you can still make a new claim if you were eligible for it in the year before you reached state pension age.
How to claim PIP
Once you’ve checked your eligibility, you can start your claim by calling the PIP new claims phone line on 0800 917 2222.
You’ll be asked about your contact details, national insurance number, bank account, and medical history.
You will then be sent a form asking you questions about your condition. Sometimes, you might need an assessment if more information is required.
Alternatively, you can start a claim by post by sending a letter to the personal independence payment new claims office. However, receiving a decision will take longer this way.
For more information, visit the Government website here.
Does receiving PIP affect universal credit payments?
Being eligible for PIP isn’t dependent on your income, savings, working status, or other benefits. So, those receiving employment and support allowance or other benefits can still get PIP.
The payment is also tax-free.
What’s the difference between daily living PIP and mobility PIP?
How much PIP you receive depends on two things: how difficult you find daily living and how much you struggle with mobility. You will receive an amount of money assigned for each of these factors.
The payments range from £68.10 to £101.75 for daily living struggles. Mobility payments range from £26.90 to £71.
If granted mobility PIP, you might also be eligible for a Blue Badge, vehicle tax discount or exemption, or a Motability Scheme vehicle.
If you receive either the daily living or the mobility PIP, you will become eligible for a disabled person’s rail card. You might also receive a discount on your council tax and local bus travel.
