The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals there has been a dramatic fall in the number of people applying for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) since the coronavirus pandemic began.
PIP is a benefit for people who need help with daily living tasks or getting around as a result of a long-term illness or disability.
Many people are put off claiming PIP for a number of reasons and could be missing out on hundreds of extra pounds of support each month.
Even though lockdown restrictions are still in place across Scotland, now is an ideal opportunity to set aside some time and start the process - or at the very least, consider it.
If the claim form is completed in full with comprehensive detailed information about how an illness or disability impacts on an individual’s daily life, it may not be as difficult as you expect - especially as face-to-face assessments have been suspended since March 17.
These meetings were replaced by telephone and paper-based assessments, but there’s still no confirmation from the DWP on how long this will continue.
It could possibly be as long as lockdown lasts, certainly while there is a 2-metre social distancing health and safety rule in place.
In April 2020, there were 25,000 registrations for new PIP claims - 58 per cent down on the same time last year and the lowest number since December 2013.
And if people are discouraged by PIP stories they’ve heard or read about, the success rate for new claims has risen from just 31 per cent in February 2020, to 56 per cent in April.
Commenting on the figures, the DWP said: “During the first few weeks of the Covid-19 emergency measures, efforts have been made to clear residual claims in the system from before emergency measures began, giving rise to an initial spike in clearance volumes. This may have affected March 20 and April 20 Award Rates.”
It’s unknown why the successful claims rate has increased and we won’t be able to tell if telephone assessments played a part until the next set of statistics are released in three months time.
Either way, it should be encouragement enough for anyone considering making a claim, to start the process.
And if anyone is worried about a claim already made or have heard horror stories about the appeals process, other statistics released showed a significant increase in the number of successful appeals.
From January to March 2020, there has been a 96 per cent rise in Universal Credit appeals, but a 77 per cent drop in Employment Support Allowance (ESA) appeals - due to claims for ESA being replaced by ones for Universal Credit.
Success rates for claimants remain very high:
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76% of PIP claimants won their appeal
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75% of ESA claimants won their appeal
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69% of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claimants won their appeal
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64% of Universal Credit claimants won their appeal
Here’s everything you need to know about applying for PIP, from who is eligible, to how much you could get.
We’ve also got a comprehensive guide to all 14 questions on the PIP claim form and you can take a mock test online at Benefits and Work here, to see how much you could receive.
What is PIP?
PIP is the benefit that’s gradually replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
If you need extra help because of an illness, disability or mental health condition you could get PIP.
You could receive between £23.60 and £151.40 a week if you’re aged 16 or over and have not reached State Pension age.
The amount you get depends on how your condition affects you - not the condition itself.
You’ll be assessed by a health professional to work out the level of help you can get and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you’re getting the right support.
Who is eligible for PIP?
You don’t need to have worked or paid National Insurance to qualify for PIP, and it doesn’t matter what your income is, if you have any savings or you’re working.
You must also have a health condition or disability where you:
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have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months
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expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months
You usually need to have lived in Scotland for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
If you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP:
- 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 - inside and outside the home
There are different rules if you are terminally ill.
How is PIP paid?
PIP is usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid every week.
PIP will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
What are the PIP payment rates?
You’ll need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you’ll get and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you’re getting the right support.
PIP is made up of two components - daily living and mobility.
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You can get the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
- Daily living - standard rate: £59.70
- Daily living - enhanced rate: £89.15
- Mobility - standard rate: £23.60
- Mobility - enhanced rate: £62.25
How you are assessed
You’ll be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) work out the level of help you need.
How do you make a claim for PIP?
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you’ll find all the information you need to apply on the gov.uk website here.
There's also a list of information you will need to complete your application form.
The application form consists of 14 questions and a section for any additional information.
Put as much relevant detail in as you can to help the assessor understand your physical and mental health needs.
If you have difficulty filling in your form or understanding the questions, contact your local council and ask for help or Citizen's Advice Scotland.
You'll need to complete and return the form along with any necessary documentation within a timeframe set by the DWP.
Even if you don't qualify for financial support, you could be eligible for a Travel Card, which offers free or reduced travel across Scotland on most public transport links.
For more information about PIP, visit gov.uk here.
