If you’re currently receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), there may be an opportunity for an increase in your monthly payments. Recent reports from Daily Record have highlighted that many claimants are not fully aware of the potential for higher benefits, especially if their condition or circumstances have changed.
These changes could lead to a significant rise in support, potentially adding up to £633 a month. To understand how such increases are possible, it is important to know the specific criteria, the types of changes that can trigger a review, and the steps involved in requesting an adjustment.
Understanding PIP and ADP Payments
PIP and ADP are benefits designed to help people living with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or mental health conditions by covering the extra costs of daily living and mobility. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, PIP is the main benefit, while in Scotland, ADP has replaced PIP.
As of July, there were 140,000 people having their PIP claims reviewed, with 32,000 reporting changes in their circumstances. In total, 3.8 million people in England and Wales are currently claiming PIP, while 484,055 Scots receive ADP.
The payment amounts depend on the severity of your condition and the level of support you need. The weekly payments range from £29.20 to £187.45, equating to £116.80 to £749.80 every four weeks. This discrepancy is due to the different rates for the Daily Living and Mobility components.
For example, someone receiving both the standard rates for Daily Living and Mobility will get £412.40 every four weeks, whereas someone receiving the highest rates would get £749.80. If your health deteriorates or your circumstances change, there’s potential for a higher payment.
Can Your PIP or ADP Payments Increase?
Many recipients of PIP or ADP may not be aware that if their health changes, they may qualify for an increase in their payments. For instance, if someone is receiving the standard mobility rate of £116.80 every four weeks and reports a change in circumstances—such as a worsening condition—they could potentially qualify for the enhanced rates for both components, resulting in a payment of £749.80 every four weeks, an increase of £633.
Another example shows that someone receiving £412.40 every four weeks could report a change and receive £749.80, gaining an extra £337.40 a month or £4,386 over the course of the year. The figures vary depending on the change in your condition and the level of assistance required.
However, it’s important to understand that a change in circumstances does not guarantee an increase in payments. The amount of support you receive depends on how your condition affects your daily living and mobility, and each case is assessed on its own merit.
As explained on GOV.UK, the assessment focuses on how your condition impacts your ability to live independently, not just on the condition itself. This means that people with the same condition can receive different outcomes based on their personal circumstances.
How to Report a Change in Circumstances
If your condition has worsened, or if you need more assistance with daily tasks, it’s crucial to report these changes to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Social Security Scotland. To report changes for PIP, you can contact the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433, Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 5 pm. Similarly, for ADP, Social Security Scotland will handle the process.
Before you make a report, keep in mind that the outcome of your claim review could result in an increase, decrease, or even the cessation of payments, depending on the nature of your change. It’s essential to assess your situation carefully and understand the possible outcomes.
A Word of Caution: Seek Independent Advice
It’s strongly recommended to seek advice from independent organizations like the Citizens Advice Network before submitting a request for a review. Although reporting changes in your condition may lead to a higher payment, it could also result in a reduction or suspension of your benefits.
As the guidance on GOV.UK explains:
“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.”
