The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released its latest figures, revealing that over 3.6 million individuals across Great Britain are now claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Additionally, close to 568,000 people above the State Pension age are beneficiaries of this disability allowance. During this financial year, thousands of elderly residents in Scotland, England, and Wales will be supported with payments ranging from £114.80 to £737.20 every four weeks.
It’s crucial to note that all new PIP claims in Scotland have been superseded by the Adult Disability Payment (ADP), and the remaining 80,000 existing PIP claimants will see their cases transitioned to this devolved benefit in the coming months.
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A significant update to PIP guidance in 2019 may have gone unnoticed by many over 56 and approaching State Pension age. It states that “claimants whose review would have taken place when they were of State Pension age means that they are now generally awarded ongoing awards”. The type of award and the period for review are determined individually, taking into account the claimant’s specific needs and the potential for changes in those needs.
Factors such as planned treatments or therapies, or learning and adapting to manage a condition, are considered.
Guidance from the DWP on PIP awards
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 can reach up to £169.50 (£678 every 4-week pay period). The amount you receive depends on your National Insurance contributions, reports the Daily Record.
Despite State Pension, PIP and ADP payments being made separately, they could provide a combined 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 will 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 right support.
Payments are made every four weeks. PIP consists 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 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 eligible to reclaim it – 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 qualify for Attendance Allowance – this is worth either £72.65 or £108.55 every week from DWP.
How many people of State Pension age are claiming disability benefits?
The number of people of State Pension age (over 65) claiming PIP or ADP:
- 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 be eligible for PIP or ADP.
Who is eligible for PIP or ADP?
To qualify 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 the 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’re terminally ill, there are different rules which can be found on the GOV. UK website.
The DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For every task, they will consider:
- whether you can do it safely
- how long it takes you
- how often your condition affects this activity
- whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
- How the 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. Learn more about assessments here.
How to make a new claim for PIP
You can claim PIP by contacting the DWP. Before you 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.