PERSONAL independence payment claimants can apply for their benefits online for the first time.
The government has launched a six month trial to allow some recipients to make their claims digitally – we explain how it works.
1
Who is eligible for PIP?
Person independence payment (PIP) is to help people with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities.
You can get the payment even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.
There are two parts to PIP: a daily living part to help with everyday tasks and a mobility part if you need help with getting around.
Whether you’re eligible for one or both parts – and how much you’ll get – depends on how difficult you find those things.
You might get the daily living part of PIP if you need help with tasks such as eating, drinking, dressing and communication.
Claimants could get the second part if they find it hard to work out a route and follow it, physically move around or leave their home.
Most read in Money
You can find the full eligibility requirements on the gov.uk website.
You can get PIP at the same time as all other benefits, except Armed Forces Independence Payment.
If you get Constant Attendance Allowance you’ll get less of the daily living part of PIP.
If you get War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement you will not get the mobility part of PIP.
You can get PIP if you’re working or have savings.
How much will I get?
How much you’ll get depends on your personal circumstances, but the maximum amount would be £152.15 per week.
That works out at around £608 every month.
You would get that much if you were eligible for both parts of PIP at the higher weekly rate.
The daily living part of PIP is worth either £60 or £89.60 per week, depending on how difficult you find these tasks.
The mobility section payments will be either £23.70 or £62.55.
PIP is tax-free and not affected by your savings.
How can I apply for PIP?
New PIP applicants might be able to submit their claim online for the first time.
The DWP launched a six-month trial of a new digital service on January 26.
But it’s not currently available to everyone and only a small number of claimants a day will be offered the online option.
If you’re not offered the chance to apply online, you can make a new claim by calling the 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 your contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number, bank or building society account number and sort code.
You will also need to provide your doctor’s name, address and telephone number, and 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.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team?
