The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for anyone who has a physical or mental health condition. PIP payment amounts vary, but can be as much as £184.30 a week depending on what you qualify for.
But as anyone who has been through the PIP application process will know, it can be stressful and overwhelming. As a result, those who should be receiving PIP might not be able to access the money they are entitled to.
If you are yet to apply for PIP, or have experienced difficulties when you’ve tried to apply, this post is for you.
That’s because there is a great free resource from Turn2Us that can support your PIP application to help ensure the process is as stress-free as possible.
What is the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?
The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that is for anyone over the age of 16 in the UK who is living with a physical or mental health condition.
The money is designed to help with your living costs, and unlike other types of benefits is not means tested. Instead, your eligibility for PIP is based on the health condition you suffer from, rather than whether you work or your overall financial status.
There are two types of PIP payments:
Daily living component - If you need help with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, preparing food, managing your money or socialising.
Mobility component - If you have any trouble physically getting around your home or leaving your home.
As of July 2023, there are 3.1 million people in the UK who are entitled to claim PIP.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Rates For 2024/2025
Daily Living Component
Standard Weekly Rate: £72.65
Standard Monthly Rate: £314.82
Enhanced Weekly Rate: £108.55
Enhanced Monthly Rate: £470.38
Mobility Component
Standard Weekly Rate: £28.70
Standard Monthly Rate: £124.37
Enhanced Weekly Rate: £75.75
Enhanced Monthly Rate: £328.25
Similar to other benefits, the Personal Independence Payment amount is regularly increased.
Based on the current amounts for 2024/2025, you can claim between £28.70 and £108.55 per week.
However, if you qualify for both the daily living and mobility components of PIP, you could potentially claim up to £184.30 per week, or £798.63 per month.
You may also be interested in: £15bn Worth Of Benefits Are Unclaimed - Could You Be Due A Pay Out?
What Conditions Qualify for PIP?
The DWP has published a full list of conditions that make someone eligible to apply for PIP which you can view here.
In total, there are over 500 physical and mental health conditions which could mean you qualify for the Personal Independence Payment. For some people, this can be worth almost £800 per month if you qualify for both PIP component types at the higher rates.
Based on the latest statistics, the most common types of health conditions that current PIP claimants have are classed as psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD.
Other common PIP conditions include asthma, epilepsy, headaches, joint pain and osteoarthritis.
Since the list of physical and mental conditions is so varied, it’s essential to check the list we’ve linked above to ensure you aren’t missing out.
Applying for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Unlike other types of benefits, the Personal Independence Payment isn’t means tested and it won’t automatically be paid to you. Instead, you need to go through an application process.
In this section, we’ll cover the ways you can apply for PIP and how to get help with your application.
How Do You Apply For PIP Payment?
There are only three ways you can apply for a PIP payment:
Online - By heading to the Gov UK PIP eligibility checker
Phone - By calling 0800 917 2222
Post - By sending a letter to Freepost DWP PIP 1
Don’t worry if you’re not sure which option is right for you, as if you get help with your application your adviser can guide you through the process.
However, it’s good to be aware of the three official channels so that you don’t fall victim to scams.
What to Expect When You Apply for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
One of the main reasons we recommend getting help with your PIP application, is that the entire process is unfortunately known for being challenging to go through.
Talking about a health condition you have can bring up a range of emotions, but when you’re also being assessed at the same time, it’s easy to make mistakes or simply feel like you want to give up because it’s too stressful.
Since it’s important that you receive any type of benefits you’re entitled to (including PIP), getting help is the best way to keep your application on track.
Getting Help With Your PIP Application From Turn2Us
If you’re struggling with debt or your finances in general, you might already be aware of the fantastic work of Turn2Us, who help people across the UK access the support they need.
Turn2Us also offers **free support for PIP applications.**
Operating independently from the DWP, Turn2Us can offer you a trusted and free service. Most importantly, they understand your needs as someone who is not only struggling financially but may also be dealing with physical or mental health challenges. Compared to going it alone, having this extra support can be of huge benefit.
Another service you can find on Turn2Us is [to find a local adviser near you] Alongside benefits such as PIP, you can also use this tool to find help for a range of other topics such as debt, domestic violence, food banks, homelessness and more.
Who Else Can Help With a PIP Application?
Advice Local - A website that shows you where to find help with various topics including claiming benefits in your area. All you need to do is head to the website and select the topic you need help with along with your postcode. You’ll then be shown a map of local organisations in your area that you can contact.
Citizens Advice - You can visit your local branch to request help with a PIP application, or give them a call on 0808 223 1133. Head over to the PIP section of the Citizens Advice website to view all available help and resources.
Disability Rights UK - The registered charity has made a free downloadable guide available to take you through the PIP process.
Beyond official charities and organisations, don’t forget to look after your own health and wellbeing while you are going through the PIP application and assessment process.
Make the effort to reach out to friends and family, and try to keep up with the activities and things that you can enjoy. Doing so can also lighten the load, especially if you, like many others, find the PIP process difficult to deal with.
How to Apply for PIP Payment FAQs
How Much is the Personal Independence Payment?
At the time of writing, the Personal Independence Payment ranges between £28.70 and £108.55 per week. The amount you’ll receive will depend on whether you receive the daily living or mobility part, along with whether you’re on the standard weekly or enhanced weekly rate.
If I’ve Been Turned Down for PIP, When Can I Re-apply?
If your PIP application is unsuccessful, you can apply for what’s known as a mandatory reconsideration. The DWP will need to receive this within one month of the date on the decision letter, so be sure to act fast if you wish to challenge the outcome of your application.
How Long After Being Awarded PIP to My First Payment?
When you are awarded PIP, you’ll receive a text or letter to let you know when to expect your first payment. It can take up to six months from the date you first apply until the money reaches your account.
PIP Payment - Who Can Apply?
Anyone who is over the age of 16 and has a long-term physical or mental health condition can apply for PIP.
In short, the criteria for PIP is classed as either needing help with your daily living or daily mobility. Therefore, this can cover a broad range of disabilities, impairments or difficulties that you may be experiencing.
Unlike means-tested benefits, you can also apply for PIP if you are currently working, are on other benefits or have savings. It’s also worth noting that PIP is tax free.
Can People on PIP Apply For Discretionary Housing Payments?
Yes, you can receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and also apply for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP).
DHPs can help you with housing costs where other types of benefits such as Housing Benefit or Universal Credit aren't enough to cover your rent.
To be eligible for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP), you must already be receiving Housing Benefit or the housing cost element of Universal Credit. Your case will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to take into account your overall financial situation.
Are PIP Payments Suspended When Applying for Appeal?
During an appeal for PIP (known as a mandatory reconsideration), it is usually the case that payments are suspended. There are some exceptions though, and if the DWP changes their decision you will receive backdated payments.
Can I Claim Carer’s Allowance for Myself on PIP?
Yes, if you have an illness or disability and are also someone who cares for someone else, you can claim PIP as well as any Carer's Allowance.
How To Apply For PIP Cost Of Living Payment
If you are eligible for a Cost of Living Payment, you do not need to contact HMRC to apply.
Instead, the £150 PIP Cost of Living Payment should have been paid to you automatically. This is so long as you have been receiving PIP since 1 April 2023.
You can also report a missing Cost of Living Payment if you have not received any payments you were expecting.
Fair For You - There For You
We hope you’ve found it easier to understand how to apply for PIP, and that you’ll make use of the free PIP advice service we’ve linked above from Turn2Us.
While you’re here, you might want to also discover how Fair For You could help you if you are on a low income. As a not-for-profit provider, we help families across the UK get the things they need for their homes at a more manageable cost through our flexible repayment system.
Check out our website to see our range of household goods and Shopping Cards that could make your budget easier to manage.
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