By Hannah Ahmed,Kieran Isgin,Linda Howard
Copyright birminghammail
Those who receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP) could be entitled to further benefits support. PIP is financial support for those over 16 under the State Pension age who have one or more of 500 health problems or disabilities. This could be a physical, sensory, mental, cognitive or intellectual condition, or a combination of these. While PIP provides support for those who receive it, those who qualify may also be able to access means-tested benefits – even if previously they have not been eligible for them. READ MORE: DWP sending millions of State Pensioners important letter from October The PIP handbook outlines it could even be possible to backdate specific benefits to the beginning of the start date of receiving PIP, the Mirror reported. PIP can enable individuals to also access benefits such as Carer’s Allowance and other initiatives such as the Blue Badge scheme. The Department for Work and Pensions guidance states: “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.” In most cases, claimants will need to use their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award letter as proof of entitlement. The guidance also suggests that carers might be eligible to claim Income Support (including for up to 26 weeks whilst the PIP claim is being processed) and many carers may continue claiming Income Support after PIP is granted. The DWP advises claimants to seek advice about other benefits they may also be entitled to. READ MORE: Full list of NatWest bank branch closures as two more locations shut down today While you may not qualify for any or all of these benefits, it’s worth checking to ensure you are not missing out on additional support.
