A set of four new videos recently appeared on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) website about Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with an aim to inform people about the nature of the allowance, its target groups, how one can claim it and what procedure is followed in assessing applicants.
In addition to the YouTube channel showing these videos, there’s also an online document that tells readers about five most important things they need to know concerning PIP, except for one more crucial thing related to this non-means tested benefit for those in Scotland.
For those living in Scotland, applications for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) have ceased to exist, replaced by the Adult Disability payment. Like PIP, this devolved disability benefit for 16-year-olds and above not eligible for state pension is guided by almost identical standards, so these other five key points might help you decide if you want to make a claim – read more here.
DWP's Informative Videos and Resources
The DWP YouTube videos are directly linked to the GOV.UK’s dedicated pages on PIP, which contain comprehensive information, including the process for those nearing end-of-life. It would be advisable to see their website before attempting to claim to know all requirements of getting approved for PIP.
Over 3.5 million people across the UK were claiming Personal Independence Payment at the end of April, including 172,954 in Scotland. The Scottish numbers are anticipated to fall during transition of current awards into the ADP. This phased migration is expected to complete by end of 2025 and will be done through Social Security Scotland welfare system.
Five Essential Points About PIP
The DWP has outlined five crucial points for anyone considering a claim for PIP:
- Impact-Based Entitlement: PIP is awarded based on how a long-term health condition or disability affects daily life and mobility, not solely on the condition itself.
- Duration of Impact: The condition must have been present for at least three months and be expected to last at least another nine months.
- Functional Assessment: Claimants will be assessed on how their condition affects 12 key activities essential for independent living.
- Ability to Manage Activities: If an individual can manage daily living and mobility activities safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and within a reasonable timeframe without assistance, they are unlikely to receive PIP.
- Providing Relevant Information: Applicants should submit existing relevant information about how their condition affects them to potentially expedite the assessment process. New documents should not be requested specifically for the application, as this could incur fees.
Assessment Activities
The PIP and ADP assessments consider the following 12 activities:
- Preparing food
- Eating and drinking
- Managing treatments
- Washing and bathing
- Managing toilet needs
- Dressing and undressing
- Communicating
- Reading
- Mixing with other people
- Making decisions about money
- Going out
- Moving around
During the assessment, the following factors are evaluated:
- Safety of performing the task
- Time required to complete the task
- Frequency of the condition affecting the activity
- Need for assistance or use of equipment
PIP and ADP Payment Rates
A successful application for PIP or ADP can result in weekly financial support ranging from £28.70 to £184.30, which is paid every four weeks, translating to £114.80 – £737.20 per payment cycle.
Daily Living Component:
- Standard rate: £72.65
- Enhanced rate: £108.55
Mobility Component:
- Standard rate: £28.70
- Enhanced rate: £75.75
Making a PIP Claim
If you want to make a new claim for PIP, then contact DWP. Detailed information on how to apply can be found on GOV.UK’s website. Ensure that you have these before calling:
- Contact details
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
- Bank or building society account number and sort code
- Doctor or health worker’s name, address, and phone number
- Dates and addresses for any time spent abroad, in a care home, or hospital
Even if no financial support is granted, an individual may still be entitled to a National Entitlement Travel Card, which permits free or discounted travel all over Scotland on most public transport services. For more information about PIP, go to GOV.UK website
