People receiving PIP could access additional financial support
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a financial aid designed to assist people over 16 and below State Pension age who are grappling with the extra costs of more than 500 health issues or disabling conditions. These conditions can be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual, cognitive, or a mix of these.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) latest stats reveal that over 3.9 million people across England and Wales were benefiting from PIP at the end of October. A successful PIP claim can provide between £29.20 and £187.45 each week to help cover the additional costs of daily living and mobility needs.
Interestingly, a PIP award could open doors to means-tested benefits for claimants, even if they’ve previously been deemed ineligible. According to GOV.UK guidance, it might also be possible to backdate certain benefits to the start of their PIP award.
This is because entitlement to PIP can serve as a passport to other benefits like Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment and schemes sponsored by other departments, such as the Blue Badge. The guidance clarifies that while many benefits and schemes have additional qualifying conditions, some, including the Blue Badge, offer alternative access routes that don’t hinge on a specific rate or component of PIP, reports the Daily Record.
The guidance states: “For DWP benefits, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, we share information to enable claimants to automatically access other disability benefits and services.”
It continues: “However, claimants should inform other benefit offices about their entitlement to make sure they’re paid the correct amounts, particularly if there are any changes in their circumstances and awards.”
The DWP noted that in most situations, claimants will need to present their PIP award letter as evidence of their entitlement.
The guidance also mentions that carers might be eligible for Income Support (including for up to 26 weeks whilst the PIP application is being processed) and many carers could keep receiving Income Support once PIP is granted. The DWP recommends claimants seek guidance about other benefits they might also qualify for.
Benefits accessible with a PIP award.
While you might not be eligible for some or all of these benefits, it’s worth investigating to ensure you’re not losing out on extra help.
- Access to Work
- Blue Badge scheme – only if you get the enhanced mobility rate for PIP
- Carer’s Allowance – England and Wales only
- Carer Support Payment – Scotland only
- Carer’s Credit
- Christmas Bonus
- Council Tax Reduction
- Employment and Support Allowance – only if you get the PIP daily living component
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit – only if you get the PIP daily living component
- Universal Credit
Where to get assistance
Anyone who has already claimed PIP or has a general query about their award and what else they may be entitled to claim should call the Disability Service Centre.
You can contact them for advice or information about a claim you’ve already made for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance. Full contact details including phone numbers can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
