PERSONAL Independence, or PIP or short, is a benefit for those who struggle with a health condition or disability.
The payment is for those affected, whether they are in work or not and can boost your income buy thousands of pounds a year if you’re eligible.
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Benefit rates are rising this year to help keep up with the cost of living -including PIP.
But many households will still be feeling the pinch as prices are going up by more than amount benefits will increase.
The government confirmed at the end of last year that certain benefit rates, including Universal Credit, will rise in 2022 by 3.1%.
The latest inflation figures show the cost of goods an services are rising by 5.4% – a 30 year high.
But you’ll still get extra cash come April, when benefit rates rise and here’s how much more you’ll get from PIP.
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How much are PIP payments rising in 2022?
Rates for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will rise from April this year
PIP helps with the extra cost of living for those with illnesses or disabilities.
There are two elements to PIP: a daily living part if you need help with everyday tasks and a mobility part if you need help with getting around.
There are two rates for each part – standard or enhanced – depending on the level of your needs.
Here are the current weekly rates:
- Standard daily living component: £60
- Enhanced daily living component: £89.60
- Standard mobility component: £62.55
- Enhanced mobility component: £23.70
And here are the new rates for PIP coming in from April:
- Standard daily living component: £61.85
- Enhanced daily living component: £92.40
- Standard mobility component: £64.50
- Enhanced mobility component: £24.45
When claiming PIP you’re assessed by a health professional to work out the level of help you can get.
Your rate should be regularly reviewed to make sure you’re getting the right support.
You don’t have to do anything to get the extra cash, your payments will go up automatically from April onwards.
The first payment where you’ll see the new, higher, amount will depend on your normal PIP payment date.
Payments are usually made every four weeks directly into your bank account, and they’re tax free.
As well as your Personal Independence Payment, you should get access to extra help and benefits on top too, like a reduction on your council tax.
Who can get PIP and how do I apply?
PIP is for those aged 16 or over who have not reached state pension age.
You must have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years, and be in one of these countries when you apply.
The process is different in Northern Ireland, and there are additional rules if you live abroad or if you’re not a British citizen.
Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you’re terminally ill with less than six months to live).
Difficulties with daily living can include the followin:
- preparing or eating food
- washing
- bathing and using the toilet
- dressing and undressing
- reading and communicating
- managing your medicines or treatments
- making decisions about money
- engaging with other people
Also be aware that you cannot get PIP and armed forces independence payment at the same time.
You can make a new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim by calling the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 917 2222.
There are also other ways to claim if you find it difficult to use a telephone. See Gov.uk for more information.
When you claim, you’ll need the following information:
- your contact details
- date of birth
- National Insurance number
- bank or building society account number and sort code
- your doctor or health worker’s name
- address and telephone number,
- dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
Someone else can call on your behalf, but you’ll need to be with them when they call.
You’ll then be sent a form to fill in, after which you’ll be invited for an assessment or your health or social care worker will be asked for information.
After this you’ll be sent a letter telling you if your claim has been successful.
You can read Citizens Advice’s help on preparing for an assessment.
If you apply for PIP and are unsuccessful you can appeal a decision.
Here’s the full list of benefits rising this year – and how much more you’ll get.
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