The latest numbers from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are currently 3.5 million adults across Great Britain receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP), including approximately 218,859 residing in Scotland.
Unlocking Extra PIP Payments: How Reporting Changes Can Add £622 Monthly
It is crucial to be mindful that the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has substituted all new claims for PIP for adults living north of the border.
Both payments are intended to assist those with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or physical or mental health conditions with additional daily living or mobility expenses. A valid claim for PIP or ADP is worth between £28.70 and £184.30 per week, but is paid every four weeks, totaling between £114.80 and £737.
The considerable difference between the payments is due to the varied combinations of daily living and mobility component rates that a claimant may receive. Someone may be given the highest rate of both and receive the maximum amount, £737.20 per pay period, or the normal rate of both, £405.40.
Many people who do not receive the maximum PIP or ADP award may be unaware that they can increase monthly payments by up to £622.40 if their condition changes.
The calculation below is based on an individual receiving the standard rate of the mobility component, which is £28.70 per week (£114.80 per pay period), who reports a change in their circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), undergoes a review, and is awarded the improved rate of both the daily living and mobility components (£737.20).
In an alternative scenario, an individual receiving the normal rate of both components (£405.40 for a 4-week pay period) will receive an additional £331.80 per month if they report a change and are granted the enhanced rate of both the mobility and daily living components (£737.20).
PIP and ADP Payment Rates
PIP is paid weekly in the following amounts, based on your situation:
Daily living
- Average rate: £72.65
- Increased rate: £108.55
Mobility
- Average rate: £28.70
- Increased rate: £75.75
Reporting a Change - PIP
Understanding that payments are based on how your disease, long-term illness, or disability impacts you rather than the ailment itself is crucial when it comes to the PIP new claim and review procedure. This distinction is made explicit by the DWP in the online PIP Handbook, 2024 version.
The guidance on GOV.UK clarifies: “As the assessment principles consider the impact of a claimant’s condition on their ability to live independently and not the condition itself, claimants with the same condition may get different outcomes. The outcome is based on an independent assessment and all available evidence.”
In order to report a change in your circumstances, you should be aware that the DWP may decide to increase, decrease, maintain, or cease your PIP. According to GOV.UK guidance, you should report a change in your circumstances if:
- You require more or less assistance with daily living and mobility tasks;
- Your health professional informs you that the duration of your condition will differ from what you previously reported;
- Your condition has gotten worse and you are not expected to live for more than 12 months.
How to report a change
Dial 0800 121 4433 to reach the "PIP enquiry line." Lines are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Complete instructions for reporting a change are available here on GOV.UK.
Reporting a change- Adult Disability Payment
If you are claiming ADP, you can find complete information on how to report a change in your circumstances here.