The number of people claiming PIP for a psychiatric disorder has increased by more than 462,000 between February 2020 and January 2024.
Almost 3.5 million people in Britain currently receive PIP, with 37 per cent claiming psychiatric disorders, including mental health conditions.
DWP could owe thousands of people up to £12,000 in backdated PIP payments. This is what you need to know https://t.co/kj7rTfMZy8
– Big Issue (@BigIssue) April 26, 2024
What is the PIP?
PIP provides additional financial support for adults with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition who need help completing daily tasks or getting around.
Following the annual rise earlier this month, a successful PIP claim is now worth between £28.70 and £184.30 each week.
The benefit is paid every four weeks, meaning it amounts to between £114.80 and £737.20 each pay period. Daily log reports.
Claimants who need additional support to cover daily living costs or mobility needs due to a mental health condition should consider submitting a new PIP claim.
Am I eligible for PIP payments?
To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where:
- have had difficulty with daily life or getting around (or both) for three months
- We expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months.
You generally need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. If you receive or need help with any of the following problems due to your condition, you should consider applying for PIP:
- prepare, cook or eat food
- manage your medication
- washing, bathing or using the toilet
- dressing and undressing
- engage and communicate with other people
- read and understand written information
- making decisions about money
- plan a trip or follow a route
- moving
There are different rules if you are terminally ill; You will find them on the GOV.UK website here. DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks.
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For each task, they will observe:
- if you can do it safely
- how long does it take you
- how often your condition affects this activity
- if you need help to do this, from one person or using additional equipment
PIP is made up of two components:
- Daily life
- Mobility
Whether you receive one or both of these and how much depends on how badly your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily life
Standard rate: £72.65
Improved rate: £108.55
How do you claim PIP?
Make a new claim by contacting the DWP; You will find all the information you need to apply in the GOV.UK website here.
Before calling, you will need:
- your contact details
- your date of birth
- Your national insurance number: found on tax, pension and benefit letters.
- your bank or building society account number and your sort code
- the name, address, and telephone number of your doctor or healthcare worker
- dates and addresses of any time spent abroad, in a nursing home or hospital
How is the PIP paid?
PIP is usually paid every four weeks, unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It is paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
