Over the last few years, the number of people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for mental health problems has risen dramatically across the UK. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reports that at the end of January, more than 1.3 million people were receiving PIP for psychiatric conditions.
Consequently, if you suffer from any mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, stress reactions or depressive disorders, and it has an impact on your daily life, you may be eligible for financial help from the government.
The Surge in PIP Claims
Statistics point to a staggering increase of more than 462,000 claimants between February 2020 and January 2024. This spike is attributed to a number of factors, including increased awareness, improved diagnostics and the impact of events such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Recently, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans for a consultation on PIP, citing the necessity for possible shifts in eligibility criteria, assessment processes and support mechanisms.
Who Qualifies for DWP’s PIP?
Personal Income Payment (PIP) offers a vital financial support for individuals with a disability, long-term illness or mental health condition which prevents them from carrying out day-to-day tasks or moving around independently.
The allowance ranges from £28.70 to £184.30 per week, totalling £114.80-£737.20 per month. Therefore, people requiring extra help with daily living or mobility due to a mental health problem should consider applying.
To be considered eligible for the PIP, people must meet specific criteria:
- Duration of Difficulty: Experience difficulties with daily living or mobility for at least three months, with an expectation of these challenges persisting for nine months or more.
- Residency: Reside in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be present in the country at the time of application.
In addition, individuals who require assistance with various activities due to their condition are also eligible, including:
- Preparing, cooking, or eating food
- Managing medication
- Washing, bathing, or using the toilet
- Dressing and undressing
- Engaging and communicating with others
- Reading and understanding written information
- Making decisions about finances
- Planning journeys or following routes
- Moving around safely and independently
Assessments are carried out by the DWP to determine the extent to which a person has difficulty with the tasks of daily living and mobility. The factors taken into account during the assessment are as follows
- If you can do it safely
- How long it takes you
- How often your condition affects this activity
- If you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
Applicants can submit a new request by contacting the DWP. Full details are available on the official GOV.UK website.
Got a reaction? Share your thoughts in the comments
Enjoyed this article? Subscribe to our free newsletter for engaging stories, exclusive content, and the latest news.
Why, whst about other people with disabilities.
Does a person age 80 with Parkinsons come under Mental Health.
I tried going for pip over 2years ago and was turned down, appealed against that discussion got turned down, did it again still turned down.
I have mental health issues and also I have a unachievable theriod that I am on medicine for the rest of my life I also have diveritalos which is a condition to do with my back passenger. Where I have little sacks that trip stuff in . Some days I am in so much pain I am doubled over.
I have had depression for many years also heart disease Progressive Osteoarthritis in all joints under active Thyroid Acute sleep
Apnea Celiac Disease Fibrosis of the lungs . and Emphysema Restless leg Syndrome I am under the pain clinic and just had some nerve blocking injections I am under Royal Brompton and Harefield for lung and sleep apnea. Issues. All of these have got progressively worse and DWP are aware Ihave been on lower level PIP since approv 2010 All of the above is documented and DWP have recieved the medical evidence . I have had number of assessment and although my health has deteriated they still refuse to put me on higher rate in fact a couple of assessments points were taken off to keep me just under the required points by one . They play on intimidation and threats of losing what you are currently getting to stop particularly older people from taking it any further they ignore medical evidence from Consultants etc because they know better
I feel this is a good thing, as it is so very difficult to actually get help from PIP in the 1st place for mental health conditions. However, it’s not been made clear enough who will actually be eligible for this payment.
Seems I’m to well to continue receiving pip,I have a blood clotting disorder which makes walking difficult, lung problems and heart problems along with the ptsd ( combat) which give flashbacks and the anxiety of how I will get through that day to day. Former soldier, ( Army Air Corps).
When are the government going to look after us veterans?
You write this making it seem so easy, people who are deserving fight tooth and nail to try and get pip. You make it seem easy when I fact it is extremely difficult to qualify. The fight disabled people have on a daily basis is unbearable and you make it sound easy, you should be ashamed for falsely claiming things that are just not true. From someone that has been through this.
Will my pip stop because of new government rule coz I have mental health borderline personally n paranoid skitsaphina