People claiming Universal Credit may be unaware they could qualify for additional PIP payments to help with daily living or mobility costs
Thousands of Brits could qualify for extra money from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Certain health conditions could make you eligible for additional financial support on top of Universal Income.
The DWP’s most recent data reveals that approximately 8.3 million people across Great Britain are currently receiving Universal Credit. This income-related benefit is intended to assist those with low incomes, whether they are employed or not, in managing everyday living expenses.
Universal Credit is an income-based benefit designed to aid with living costs. It is available to those on a low income who are either working, unemployed, or unable to work.
However, as reported by the Daily Record, many individuals claiming Universal Credit or income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) who have a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition, might be unaware that they could qualify for additional financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP). The latter has replaced all new and existing claims for PIP in Scotland and can provide extra funds to help with daily living or mobility costs.
Both PIP and ADP are tax-free, non-means-tested payments that do not impact the benefit cap. This means that a single claimant over 25 on Universal Credit or JSA making a new claim for either benefit could potentially receive up to £749.80 every four weeks, separate from their other benefits.
When combined with a monthly Universal Credit payment of £400.14 (single, over-25 rate), this could amount to as much as £1,149.94 each month. It’s crucial to note that this figure is predicated on an individual receiving the higher rate for both the daily living and mobility components of either PIP or ADP.
It’s also vital to understand that the health condition itself does not automatically qualify someone for PIP or ADP; it’s the impact it has on a person’s daily living and/or mobility needs that matters.
Universal Credit monthly rates
Unlike Universal Credit, PIP and ADP are claimed by individuals, not couples.
- Single claimants, under 25: £316.98
- Single claimants, 25 or over: £400.14
PIP and ADP payment rates
You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support.
PIP is made up of two components – Daily living and Mobility. Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. Payments are issued every four weeks.
You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
- Standard rate: £73.90
- Enhanced rate: £110.40
Mobility
- Standard rate: £29.20
- Enhanced rate: £77.05
Even though new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Full guidance on ADP can be found on the MYGOV.SCOT website.
How to make a claim for PIP
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
How to apply for ADP
People can apply for ADP over the phone, by post or in person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
