People who are eligible to start claiming certain benefits have been warned they may face a lengthy wait for their first payment. Around 2.7 million people in the UK are currently claiming personal independence payments (PIP), which are available to those with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
But the Department for Work and Pensions which administers the benefit has warned that those wishing to claim PIP for the first time or who want to transfer from disability living allowance (DLA) may face a wait of up to 22 weeks for their first payment to be processed, reports the Daily Record.
According to official statistics released by the UK government this month, clearance times for normal rules new claims are currently 22 weeks “end to end” (from registration to a decision being made) and 17 weeks from the referral to the decision, as of January 2022. These are longer than the same period a year ago (19 weeks and 15 weeks respectively in January 2021).
Read more: PIP payment rates, how to claim and the list of conditions that qualify
Wait times for normal rules DLA reassessment claims are currently 25 weeks 'end to end' from registration to a decision and 17 weeks from the AP referral to the decision, as of January 2022. These are also higher than the same period a year ago (21 weeks and 15 weeks respectively in January 2021).
The government stats also showed wait times for first-time PIP claims peaked in August 2021 at 26 weeks 'end to end' and 21 weeks from the AP referral to the decision. This was partly because claims that had been allowed a longer deadline for the return of the PIP 2 form from February to late May 2021 were reaching clearance, and because priority in some areas was given to claims that had been waiting longer for processing due to Covid-19 disruption. You can read the full stats and analysis here.
How much do you get with PIP?
Each component has two payment rates – a standard rate and an enhanced rate.
Daily living component
- Enhanced: £92.40
- Standard: £61.85
Mobility component
- Enhanced: £64.50
- Standard: £24.45
If you qualify for PIP you will also receive a Christmas bonus which is £10 each year – this is paid automatically and it does not affect any other benefits which you may be receiving.
How do I apply for PIP?
To start the application process you will need to contact the DWP on 0800 917 2222 or textphone 0800 917 7777. You can ask for a paper form to complete if you are unable to claim by phone although this may delay your claim. For more information about PIP visit GOV.UK here.
What conditions qualify for PIP?
To find out the list of conditions that qualify for PIP click here. This list is only an overview of conditions, disorders, and diseases and how the DWP lists the main disabilities being claimed for. Want more news like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.
