By Linda Howard,Rory Poulter

Copyright manchestereveningnews

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released the latest figures, revealing that over 3.8 million people across Great Britain are now claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The data also shows that as of the end of July, there were 627,794 people aged between 65 and 79 receiving the disability payment, thereby increasing their monthly income to up to £1,670.80. Throughout the current financial year, thousands of people over State Pension age in England, Scotland, and Wales who have a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition will receive support ranging from £116.80 to £749.80 every four-week pay period. Many people over 56 and approaching State Pension age may not be aware of a change to PIP guidance in 2019, which says: “Claimants whose review would have taken place when they were of State Pension age means that they are now generally awarded ongoing awards”. Award types and review periods are determined on an individual basis, taking into account the claimant’s needs and the likelihood of those needs changing. This includes considerations such as planned treatment/therapy or learning/adapting to manage a condition, reports the Daily Record . Guidance from DWP states: The full, New State Pension is valued at £230.25 per week (£921 every 4-week pay period), and the Basic State Pension up to £176.45 (£705.80 every 4-week pay period) – your payment depends on the amount of National Insurance contributions made. Despite State Pension, PIP and ADP payments being made separately, they could provide a combined monthly income of up to £1,670.80 – this is based on someone receiving the full, New State Pension and highest PIP or ADP awards for the daily living and mobility component. An assessment is required to determine the level of financial assistance you will receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are getting the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP consists of two components: Whether you receive one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. Depending on your circumstances, you will be paid the following amounts per week: Daily living Standard rate: £73.90. Enhanced rate: £110.40. Mobility Standard rate: £29.20. Enhanced rate: £77.05. Upon reaching State Pension age, people can no longer make a new claim for PIP. However, people already receiving PIP upon reaching State Pension age will continue to receive the benefit until the end of the award period, at which point it will be reviewed following standard procedures. Those who reach State Pension age and are no longer claiming any of the working-age disability benefits may also be able to reclaim them – provided they are claiming for the same health conditions that initially warranted the award and their last claim ended less than 12 months prior to reaching State Pension age. For those in England and Wales over State Pension age with a health condition, long-term illness or disability, they may be eligible for Attendance Allowance – this is worth either £73.90 or £110.40 every week from the DWP. More information about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found here . If you have not yet reached State Pension age but are living with a health condition, disability or long-term illness, you may qualify for PIP. Here’s a brief overview of both benefits. To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: You typically need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we’ve detailed above, if you receive or require assistance with any of the following due to your condition, you should consider applying for PIP. There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here . The DWP will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will examine each task as follows: An independent healthcare professional will assess you to assist the DWP in determining the level of financial support, if any, you require for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are available, along with video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments. Most assessments are conducted over the phone. You can initiate a new claim by contacting the DWP; all the information you need to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here . Before you call, you will need: For more information about PIP, visit GOV.UK here .