The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled new statistics showing 7.0 million people across England, Scotland, and Wales were benefiting from Universal Credit at the end of September. This income-related benefit is designed to support individuals with low income, whether they are in work or not, with their everyday living costs.
However, more help could be available. Many people who claim Universal Credit or income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and have a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition may be unaware that they could potentially receive extra funds to assist with daily living or mobility costs through Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
PIP is a tax-free, non-means tested payment that does not affect the benefit cap. This means that a single claimant over 25 on Universal Credit or JSA making a new claim for either benefit could potentially receive up to £737.20 every four weeks independently of their other benefits.
When combined with a monthly Universal Credit payment of £393.45 (over-25 rate), this could provide up to £1,130.65 each month. It’s vital to note that this figure is based on someone receiving the higher rate of both components of PIP.
It’s also crucial to understand that having a health condition does not automatically qualify someone for PIP – it’s how the condition affects a person’s daily living and/or mobility needs that matters.
Universal Credit (monthly rates)
Unlike Universal Credit, PIP is claimed by individuals, not couples.
- Single claimants, under 25: £311.68
- Single claimants, 25 or over: £393.45
PIP rates
Daily living
- Standard rate: £72.65
- Enhanced rate: £108.55
Mobility
- Standard rate: £28.70
- Enhanced rate: £75.75
Five most commonly recorded PIP health conditions
| Psychiatric disorder | 1,37,206 claimants (38%) | This includes mixed anxiety, stress, depressive and mood disorders, OCD and cognitive disorders |
| Musculoskeletal disease (general) | 682,391 claimants (19%) | This includes muscle or joint pain and arthritic conditions |
| Neurological disease | 468,113 claimants (13%) | This includes muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, headache, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy and other movement disorders |
| Musculoskeletal disease (regional) | 426,038 claimants (12%) | This includes neck, back, shoulders, elbow, wrists, hands, hip, knee and ankle pain |
| Respiratory disease | 138,376 claimants (4%) | This includes asthma, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis |
Disabling conditions recorded by DWP
The following conditions are the main disabling categories covered by PIP. It’s important to note more than 530 conditions fall under these categories:
- Multisystem and extremes of age
- Genitourinary disease
- Neurological disease
- Infectious disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Psychiatric disorders
- Malignant disease
- Musculoskeletal disease (regional)
- Haematological Disease
- Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract
- Diseases of the immune system
- Endocrine disease
- Skin disease
- Visual disease
- Hearing disorders
- Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)
- Unknown or missing
- Musculoskeletal disease (general)
- Respiratory disease
- Metabolic disease
Who might be eligible for PIP?
To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health conditions or disability that means you:
You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition to what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP.
- reading and understanding written information
- dressing and undressing
- moving around
- engaging and communicating with other people
- making decisions about money
- managing your medication
- washing, bathing or using the toilet
- preparing, cooking or eating food
- planning a journey or following a route
How you are assessed
An independent healthcare professional will assess you to assist the DWP in determining the level of financial support, if any, you require for PIP.
Health-related benefits consultations are available face-to-face, via video calls, telephone, and paper-based assessments – it’s crucial to understand that the choice is up to the health professional and DWP. More information about DWP PIP assessments can be found here.
How to make a new claim for PIP
You can initiate a new claim by contacting the DWP. All the information you need to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, ensure you have:
your contact details.
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your contact details
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your date of birth
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your National Insurance number – this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
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your bank or building society account number and sort code
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your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
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dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
