A change in PIP guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions means new claimants nearing State Pension age could pick up a handy boost to their monthly income.
Those over 56 and drawing near to the State Pension age might not be aware of a pivotal alteration in PIP guidance from 2019 stating that “claimants whose review would have taken place when they were of State Pension age means that they are now generally awarded ongoing awards”.
Assessment of award types and determining review intervals happen on a case-by-case basis, reflecting each claimant’s unique requirements and the potential variations in their situation. Factors like planned treatments or therapies, as well as the rate of adjustment to manage one’s condition, are duly considered.
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Recent figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have revealed there are now over 3.6 million people across Great Britain receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Additionally, nearly 568,000 individuals above the State Pension age currently receive the disability benefit.
During this financial year, thousands of senior citizens in Scotland, England, and Wales will be supported with payments ranging between £114.80 and £737.20 in every four-week cycle. Notably, in Scotland, all new claims for PIP have been substituted by Adult Disability Payment (ADP), and the transition of the remaining 80,000 existing PIP claimants to the devolved benefit is expected over the coming months.
It is important to recognize how PIP awards impact combined incomes according to DWP guidelines, as reported by the Daily Record.
Guidance on combined incomes
The full, New State Pension is currently valued at £221.20 per week (£884.80 every 4-week pay period), while the Basic State Pension amounts to up to £169.50 (£678 every 4-week pay period). The amount you receive depends on your National Insurance contributions.
Despite separate payments for State Pension, PIP and ADP, they could collectively provide a monthly income of up to £1,622. This is based on someone receiving the full, New State Pension and the highest PIP or ADP awards for the daily living and mobility component.
PIP and ADP payment rates for 2024/25
Claimants require an assessment to determine the level of financial assistance you will receive. 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: Daily living and Mobility.
Whether you receive one or both of these and how much you get depends on the severity of your condition. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:.
Daily living
- Standard rate: £72.65
- Enhanced rate: £108.55
Mobility
- Standard rate: £28.70
- Enhanced rate: £75.75
PIP, ADP and State Pension age
When someone reaches State Pension age, they can no longer make a new claim for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or ADP. However, if someone is already receiving PIP, DLA, or ADP when they reach State Pension age, they will continue to receive the benefit until the award period ends where it will be reviewed following the normal process.
Individuals who reach State Pension age and are no longer claiming any of the working-age disability benefits may still be able to reclaim them – provided they are claiming for the same health conditions that they initially received the award for, and their last claim ended less than 12 months before reaching State Pension age. For those over State Pension age with a health condition, long-term illness or disability, they may be eligible for Attendance Allowance – this is worth either £72.65 or £108.55 every week from DWP.
People of State Pension age claiming PIP
The number of people of State Pension age (over 65) claiming PIP or ADP is as follows:
- England and Wales: 532,708
- Scotland: 33,957
- Living Abroad: 993
- Unknown: 23
- Total: 567,680
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 or ADP.
PIP and ADP eligibility – can I claim?
To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months. You usually need to have lived 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 have outlined above if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP.
- 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
If you are terminally ill, different rules apply and these can be found on the GOV.UK website.
The DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess your daily living and mobility tasks. An independent healthcare professional will conduct an assessment to help the DWP determine the level of financial support you need for PIP.
How assessments work
Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments. Most assessments take place over the phone.
Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant. To make a new claim for PIP, contact the DWP.
Before your call, you will need:
- your contact details,
- date of birth,
- National Insurance number,
- bank or building society account number and sort code,
- your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number,
- dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital