By Linda Howard
Copyright dailyrecord
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help people over the age of 16 and under State Pension age with the extra financial costs for more than 500 health issues or disabling conditions, which may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive, or any combination of these. The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show more than 3.8 million people across Great Britain were receiving PIP at the end of July. A successful claim for PIP is worth between £29.20 and £187.45 each week to help with the additional costs of daily living and mobility needs. However, an award for PIP may enable claimants to access means-tested benefits even if they have previously been told they are not eligible and according to guidance in the PIP Handbook on GOV.UK, it may also be possible to backdate certain benefits to the start of their PIP award. This is because entitlement to PIP or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland, can act as a gateway or passport to other benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance – or Carer Support Payment in Scotland – and schemes sponsored by other departments, such as the Blue Badge. The guidance explains for many benefits and schemes there are additional qualifying conditions, but for some, including the Blue Badge , there are alternative ways of accessing the benefit that do not rely on a particular rate or component of PIP, or ADP. The guidance explains : “For DWP benefits, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, we share information to enable claimants to automatically access other disability benefits and services. “However, claimants should inform other benefit offices about their entitlement to make sure they’re paid the correct amounts, particularly if there are any changes in their circumstances and awards.” DWP added that in most cases, claimants will need to use their PIP award letter as proof of entitlement. The guidance also states carers may be able to claim Income Support (including for up to 26 weeks while the PIP claim is being assessed) and many carers may continue claiming Income Support after PIP is awarded. DWP advises claimants to seek advice about other benefits they may also be entitled to. While you may not qualify for any or all of these benefits, it’s worthwhile checking to make sure you are not missing out on additional support. You can read the full PIP Handbook on GOV.UK here. For a full list of additional support for people in Scotland on Adult Disability Payment and other devolved disability benefits, visit the MYGOV.SCOT website here. Anyone who has already claimed PIP or has a general query about their award and what else they may be entitled to claim should call the Disability Service Centre . You can contact them for advice or information about a claim you’ve already made for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance. Full contact details including phone numbers can be found on the GOV.UK website here .
