The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new figures showing that over 3.6 million adults across Great Britain, including approximately 126,296 in Scotland, are currently claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). However, it’s crucial to note that the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has replaced all new PIP claims for those residing north of the border.
Both PIP and ADP are intended to assist individuals with disabilities, long-term illnesses or physical or mental health conditions by covering additional daily living or mobility expenses. Successful claimants can receive between £28.70 and £184.30 per week, paid every four weeks, which translates to between £114.80 and £737.
The significant variation in payments is due to the different combinations of daily living and mobility component rates a claimant could be awarded. A person could receive the highest rate of both components, resulting in the maximum payment of £737.20 each pay period, or the standard rate of both, amounting to £405.40.
However, many recipients not receiving the maximum PIP or ADP award may be unaware that if their condition has worsened and they require more support, they could potentially increase their monthly payments by up to £622.40.
It is essential to note that this calculation is based on an individual currently receiving the standard mobility component rate of £28.70 per week (£114.80 per pay period). If they report a change in circumstances to the DWP, undergo a review, and are awarded the enhanced rate of both daily living and mobility components (£737.20), their payment would increase, reports the Daily Record.
In another scenario, an individual currently receiving the standard rate of both components (£405.40 per four-week pay period) who reports a change and is awarded the enhanced rate of both daily living and mobility components (£737.20) would receive an additional £331.80 per month.
PIP and ADP payment rates
PIP and ADP payment rates are paid every four weeks and are as follows:
Daily
- Standard rate: £72.65
- Enhanced rate: £108.55
Mobility
- Standard rate: £28.70
- Enhanced rate: £75.75.
Reporting a PIP change
When reporting a change for PIP, it’s crucial to understand that the new claim and review process is based on how a person’s condition, long-term illness, or disability affects them, not the condition itself. The DWP emphasises this distinction in the 2024 edition of the online PIP Handbook.
Guidance on GOV.UK reads: “As the assessment principles consider the impact of a claimant’s condition on their ability to live independently and not the condition itself, claimants with the same condition may get different outcomes. The outcome is based on an independent assessment and all available evidence.”
Before reporting a change in circumstances, it’s crucial to understand that depending on the change, claimants’ PIP rates could increase, decrease, remain the same or end.
GOV. UK guidance suggests claimants contact the PIP if:
- They need more or less help with daily living and mobility tasks
- Their health professional tells them that their condition will last for a longer or shorter time than they reported before
- Their condition has worsened and they’re not expected to live more than 12 months
How to report a change
People are advised to contact the “PIP enquiry line” at 0800 121 4433, which is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Full instructions on how to report a change in circumstances for those claiming ADP can be found here.
Before making any request, seek independent advice from organisations like the Citizens Advice Network because while an award review could result in an increase in payments, it could also see them reduced or even stopped.
