Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

A new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for disabled people aged 16 to 64. PIP replaced DLA for new claimants from June 2013.

It is currently being rolled-out, and the reassessment of existing claimants living in certain post codes started in October 2013. The reassessment areas were extended in January 2014 and again in February 2014. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says that further decisions on extending reassessment “will be taken and communicated to the rest of the country in due course.”

DLA is a benefit for children and adults aged under the State Pension age who, because of disability or illness, need help with personal care or with mobility. PIP helps with some of the extra costs caused by ill-health or disability. According to the government, “it is based on how your condition affects you, not what condition you have.”

How much can you get?

PIP payments are made up of a daily living component and a mobility component. You could get money for one or both parts, at either a standard or enhanced rate. People who are terminally ill and whose death can reasonably be expected within six months receive the enhanced rate of daily living component.

PIP is normally paid into your account every four weeks. How much you get depends on how your health condition or disability affects you.

If you currently get DLA

Most people currently claiming DLA will not be affected before 2015. However, if your condition changes, or you reach the end of your existing DLA award, then you may be affected earlier.

You will need to apply for PIP even if you get an indefinite or lifetime award of DLA. If you apply for PIP, your DLA will continue until the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) makes a decision about your claim. If you decide not to apply, your DLA will end.

New claims

New PIP claimants need to phone the DWP to make a claim (0800 917 2222, textphone: 0800 917 7777) . The DWP will then send you a form asking you to describe how your long-term health condition or disability affects you. You can also write asking for a form to send the above information by post: Personal Independence Payment New Claims, Post Handling Site B, Wolverhampton WV99 1AH.

Most people will be asked to attend a face-to-face consultation with a health professional as part of the claim. The DWP will decide whether you’re entitled to PIP and how much you should get, based on the advice of the health professional and any other evidence you supply.

Your claim will be reviewed regularly “to make sure you’re getting the right support”.