What is PIP?
PIP refers to payments intended to help deal with the cost of managing a long-term illness or disability.
Eligibility for PIP
To be eligible for PIP, you must be between 16 and your State Pension Age (State Pension Age is the earliest age at which you can begin to receive State Pension). State Pension Age can be checked using this link: https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age. Other eligibility requirements include:
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks (due to a physical or mental condition) without help.
- You must have experienced such difficulty for three months and expect the difficulty to continue for at least another 9 months.
- You must be resident in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years, and be in one of these countries when you apply.
You may consider applying if you have trouble doing the following tasks on your own:
- preparing or eating food
- washing, bathing and using the toilet
- dressing and undressing
- reading and communicating
- managing your medicines or treatments
- making decisions about money
- engaging with other people
- moving around
Exceptions to Eligibility Requirements
Members of the armed forces (and their close family members) need not meet the residency requirements. People with terminal illnesses are usually fast-tracked through the system for obvious reasons.
What does PIP entitle you to?
PIP comprises a daily living and mobility component and payments are assessed based on the level of help required. As of June 2021, the rates are:-
Daily Living PIP Rate: £59.70 or £89.15 per week
Mobility PIP: £23.60 or £62.25 per week
Mode of Payment
PIP is typically paid every 4 weeks. After a successful claim, you will get a decision letter stating:
the date of your first payment.
Changes that affect your PIP
You are required to inform the DWP through its Enquiry Line if you experience any relevant changes in circumstance such as:
- Change in personal details, e.g., name, address, registered GP
- Any change to your condition or the level of help you require
- You go into a hospital or care home
- You go abroad
- You are imprisoned or detained
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