BRITS on Universal Credit could be missing out on an extra £624 a month.
Thousands are eligible for the tax-free cash boost to help with the soaring cost of living.
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Anyone who needs help due to an illness, disability or mental health condition could qualify for extra finance support through Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
But those currently on Universal Credit are unaware they could claiming weekly payments of up to £156 – totalling £624 a month.
PIP payments do not affect the amount of Universal Credit the Department for Work and Pensions pays you.
It is available to anyone aged over 16 and under the State Pension age that needs help with daily living costs and mobility resulting from long-term illness, disability or mental health conditions.
The benefit is not means-tested – so anyone hoping to claim does not need to be employed to receive it.
Claimants must have a health condition whether they suffer difficulty getting around or living on a daily basis for three months.
They need to expect the issues with continue for at least another nine months and must have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years.
The government said Brits can consider applying if they have issues with preparing, cooking or eating food and managing medication.
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Those who also struggle to use the toilet, dress, communicate with others or making decisions about money are also eligible.
Once granted, PIP is usually paid every four weeks – rules are different for terminally ill people – directly into a bank, building society or credit union account.
It comes ahead as thousands of people on benefits and Universal Credit could see a pay rise.
The government has hinted the benefit cap could be raised after a six-year freeze.
Therese Coffey, Work and Pensions secretary said she may review the cap as she’s “slightly concerned as to whether we have a real reflection of life” in the figure.
There’s no guarantee that the limit will be increased, but a review could happen between now and April next year when the annual uprating of benefits takes effect.
What is PIP?
PIP is available to those who require extra help because of a health condition or disability and it’s available to those aged 16 or over and below state pension age.
It is made up of two parts, one for your needs for daily living and one for your needs for mobility – the amount of money available depends on how your health condition affects you.
PIP is replacing the disability living allowance (DLA) for those aged 16 to 64.
Those aged under 16, or those born on or before 8 April 1948 who already receive DLA will continue to get DLA but for everyone else they will need to claim for PIP instead.
If you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP:
- Preparing, cooking or eating food.
- Managing your medication.
- Washing, bathing or using the toilet.
- Dressing and undressing.
- Engaging and communicating with other people.
- Reading and understanding written information.
- Making decisions about money.
- Planning a journey or following a route.
- Moving around.
Find out more on the gov.uk website
