Older people on PIP may be entitled to more money
Older people on Personal Independence Payment, or PIP, could be entitled to a hefty £308 in enhanced mobility payments each month. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assesses your mobility capabilities during the PIP evaluation.
The DWP said: “The change in law relates to claimants over State Pension age and their entitlement to the enhanced mobility award.” This legal adjustment comes after a tribunal ruling on May 22 2020, which pinpointed an unintentional loophole in regulation 27 of the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013, reports Birmingham Live.
The enhanced mobility rate is valued at £77.05 weekly, or £308 monthly. The DWP further explained: “DWP did not have the legal powers to restrict the mobility award for claimants who were in receipt of the standard rate of the mobility award and over State Pension age, on the grounds of new medical evidence.
“New medical evidence is a report from a health professional requested by DWP which recommended the enhanced rate of the mobility award. DWP were only able to restrict the mobility award for claimants if a relevant change in circumstances was identified after they reached State Pension age.”
To rectify this oversight, changes to PIP regulations were implemented from 30 November 2020. The DWP advises: “If you think you may be affected, you can ask for your claim to be reviewed.”
To do so, the DWP instructs: “Contact PIP and say you are enquiring about the ‘Regulation 27 administrative exercise review’. The change in law relates to claimants over State Pension age and their entitlement to the enhanced mobility award.”
“DWP did not have the legal powers to restrict the mobility award for claimants who were in receipt of the standard rate of the mobility award and over State Pension age, on the grounds of new medical evidence. New medical evidence is a report from a health professional requested by DWP which recommended the enhanced rate of the mobility award.
“DWP were only able to restrict the mobility award for claimants if a relevant change in circumstances was identified after they reached State Pension age. If you think you may be affected, you can ask for your claim to be reviewed.”
“Contact PIP and say you are enquiring about the ‘Regulation 27 administrative exercise review’. You’ll need your National Insurance number. You can find this on letters about tax, pensions and benefits.”
The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is designed to assist with additional living expenses if you’re grappling with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and have trouble performing certain daily tasks or moving around due to your condition.
Even if you’re employed, have savings or are receiving most other benefits, you can still qualify for PIP. PIP is divided into two components: a daily living part – for those needing assistance with everyday tasks – and a mobility part – for those requiring help with movement. Whether you’re eligible for one or both parts, and the amount you receive, hinges on how challenging you find daily tasks and mobility.
