A new online service that allows people to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is being trialled - but only for certain claimants.
The service launched on January 26 and will last approximately six months, covering the PIP claim and questionnaire forms for new applicants.
But it's not currently available to everyone - and only a small number of people a day will be offered the option to apply online.
If you're not given the option to take part in the trial, you’ll need to make a new claim by contacting the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It isn’t voluntary to apply online if you’re making a new claim for PIP.
The latest figures from the DWP show that on October 31, 2021 there were 2.8million people across the UK claiming support through PIP.
What is PIP?
PIP was launched in 2013 to gradually replace the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
It is designed to help those who have an illness, disability or mental health condition.
The decision to award you this benefit is based on how your condition affects your life, rather than the illness itself.
For example, you may be entitled to the extra support if your condition means you struggle with moving around.
Unlike Universal Credit, PIP isn’t means-tested so it doesn’t matter how much you’re earning, or how much you have in savings.
Applicants are assessed by a health professional to work out what you could be entitled to, and your benefit will be regularly reviewed.
Who is eligible for PIP?
Those who can claim PIP must be aged between 16 and the state pension age.
You also need to have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the previous three years.
Finally, your condition will be assessed against the following:
It has caused you difficulties with daily living or getting around for three months
You expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months
You should consider applying for PIP if you have trouble with the following:
Preparing, cooking or eating food
Managing your medication
Washing, bathing or using the toilet
Dressing and undressing
Engaging and communicating with other people
Reading and understanding written information
Making decisions about money
Planning a journey or following a route
Moving around outside the home
There are different rules if you are terminally ill - see the Gov.uk website for more information.
How much is PIP?
If you qualify for PIP, you could get between £23.70 and £152.15 per week - over four weeks, this would be £94.80, or a maximum of £608.60.
The benefit is made up of two components - a daily living rate and a mobility rate - and you can be entitled to both or just one of these.
You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
Standard rate: £60.00
Enhanced rate: £89.60
Mobility
Standard rate: £23.70
Enhanced rate: £62.55
PIP is usually paid directly to your bank account every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid every week.
Have you had trouble claiming PIP? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
How do I apply for PIP?
If you can’t yet apply online, then you’ll need to call the DWP to make a new claim for PIP.
Applicants can contact the DWP on 0800 917 2222 for PIP claims, or the textphone number is 0800 917 7777.
If you're calling from abroad, you'll need to dial +44 191 218 7766.
