PEOPLE on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) may be eligible for backdated payments for other benefits if they qualify.
Government guidance in the PIP handbook states that PIP claimants can access means-tested benefits even if they have previously been told they are not eligible.
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Currently, the system shares information on PIP claimants who may be eligible for DWP benefits, Housing Benefits and Council Tax Reductions.
However claimants are also able to seek advice about other benefits which they may qualify for and they may be entitled to back payments.
Recent figures from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) suggest more than 3.4 million people across the UK were receiving PIP at the end of October 2023.
Which benefits can be accessed by those awarded PIP?
Those awarded PIP may be able to access and backdate the following benefits if they qualify.
- Access to Work
- Carer’s Allowance
- Carer’s Credit
- Child Tax Credit – new claims are now replaced by Universal Credit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Council Tax Discount
- 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
- Working Tax Credit – new claims replaced by Universal Credit
The DWP advises claimants to inform other benefit offices about their entitlement to make sure they’re paid the correct amounts
You should use your PIP award letter as proof of entitlement.
Who can get PIP?
PIP is available to those aged 16 or over who have not yet reached the state pension age.
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The current state pension age is 66 for men and women but this is set to rise to 68.
You must have lived in England or Wales for at least two out 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.
In Scotland you will need to apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead.
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 12 months to live).
Difficulties with daily living can include:
- 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
If you receive constant attendance allowance you will receive less of the daily living part of PIP.
How much do I get from PIP?
PIP is made up of two parts and whether you get one or both of these depends on how severely your condition affects you.
How much you get also depends on how your condition affects you.
You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around. The weekly rate for this is either £26.90 or £71.
While on the daily living part of PIP, the weekly rate is either £68.10 or £101.75 – and you could get both elements, so up to £172.75 in total.
You’ll be assessed by a health professional to work out the level of help you can get and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you’re getting the right support.
Payments are usually made every four weeks directly into your bank account, and they’re tax-free.
How do I apply for PIP?
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:
- 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.
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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.
