Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
What is PIP?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means tested benefit that helps people deal with some of the extra costs associated with long-term illness or disability.
The PIP was introduced in June 2013 to replace the Disability Living Allowance (DLA). All new applicants must apply for a PIP.
PIP rates
There are two parts to the PIP.
Daily living component: you’ll be assessed on things such as your ability to prepare food and drink, wash, dress, go to the toilet, manage health conditions and make financial decisions.
£57.30 a week
is the standard rate (2018–19).
£85.60 a week
is the enhanced rate.
Mobility component: you’ll be assessed on ability to ‘plan and follow a journey’ and ‘move around’.
£22.65 a week
is the standard rate (2018–19).
£59.75 a week
is the enhanced rate.
You might be eligible for one or both components depending on your level of need and how much you’re affected by your condition. You’ll be assessed to work out what level of help you need.
PIP eligibility
If you’re 16 to 64 years old and need help with personal care (such as washing, dressing, cooking meals or getting around), you’ve had the condition or disability for three months and expect it to continue for at least nine months (unless you’re terminally ill with less than six months to live), you can apply for PIP.
If you’re aged 65 or over and making a new claim, you must apply for Attendance Allowance.
However, if you’re already claiming PIP when you reach 65 years of age you can stay on that. If you have mobility problems and you’re under 65, it’s worth applying for PIP as soon as possible, as this includes an additional payment for mobility problems, whereas Attendance Allowance does not.
This benefit isn’t means tested, so it doesn’t matter if you have a job or another source of income.
To qualify, you must have lived in Great Britain for at least two out of the last three years and be in the country when you claim. There are some exceptions, so visit gov.uk for more details on eligibility.
PIP key facts
If you’re currently claiming DLA and you’re 65 years of age or over, you should be invited to make a PIP claim. If you have a terminal illness and you have been told you’re not expected to live for more than six months, you’ll get the enhanced daily living component rate (see ‘How much is PIP’ section above). The rate of mobility component will depend on your needs.
PIP application
When you fill in the form you will be asked for information such as:
- contact details and date of birth
- National Insurance number
- bank or building society details
- doctor’s or health worker’s name
- details of any time spent abroad or in a care home or hospital.
If someone is caring for you, they can call on your behalf if necessary, but you’ll need to be with them when they call.
Make sure you have the above information to hand.
After the initial call, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will post you a form called ‘How your condition affects you’, which you or your carer will need to complete and return.
It will also arrange for an independent health professional to assess you to work out the level of help you need. This may be done via a phone call or a face-to-face consultation.
The DWP makes the decision about each claim based on the results of the assessment and the details on the application form.
Moving from DLA to PIP
If you’re already claiming DLA, you will continue to get it until the DWP writes to tell you when it will end and to invite you to apply for PIP. This will happen 20 weeks before your DLA ends.
You will have to apply for PIP and if you miss the deadline, your pay will be suspended. You will then need to claim for PIP within four weeks of the suspension to avoid your DLA being stopped altogether.
If you have any problems with your claims, Citizens Advice can help you.
Further reading
Follow our guidance on how to challenge a ‘decision letter’ if you are unhappy with its contents.
Read about the benefits available in later life: Attendance Allowance, PIP, Winter Fuel Payment and more.
The DFG is available to people who meet certain eligibility criteria. We explain what these are and how you can apply.
