The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is preparing to increase all parts of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from April. This comes as the benefit rises in line with September’s inflation rate of 6.7 per cent, meaning many claimants will see a big boost to their money.
It also means that now is a good time to apply for PIP to make the most of the new rates.
PIP is given to people who have a health condition or disability that affects their daily life. As the benefit is paid weekly, some folks could get as much as £184.30 a week when the new rates start in April.
In total, this would be £798.53 a month or £9,582.60 a year. According to the DWP, PIP isn’t just based on someone’s health condition and how much you get can change depending on how much your daily life or ability is affected.
PIP is made up of two parts and how much you could get from the DWP depends on how your condition affects you. Right now, you could get:, reports the Manchester Evening News.
A health professional will check any claimants who apply to see what level of help they need. The rate is also regularly checked to make sure the claimants continue to get the right amount of support.
To be eligible for PIP, you need to have a health condition or disability that has caused daily living or mobility problems (or both) for three months, and these issues are expected to continue for at least another nine months.
Usually, you also need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. Here’s a list of all the health conditions that could qualify for PIP.