Many people in the UK, particularly those living with a disability or chronic health condition, may be unaware that they are eligible for additional financial assistance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
A significant number of individuals might be bypassing up to £1,149 in potential monthly benefits due to lack of awareness.
Understanding the Benefits Available for Those with Health Conditions
As of the end of January, the DWP reported that 7.5 million people across Scotland, England, and Wales were receiving Universal Credit—a benefit designed to support low-income individuals.
However, those who claim Universal Credit or income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) may not realize that they are entitled to additional support if they live with a disability, long-term illness, or a physical or mental health condition.
Extra Financial Support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
For those who qualify, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) may provide extra support to help cover the costs of daily living or mobility needs. ADP has replaced PIP for new claims in Scotland, offering similar assistance.
Both PIP and ADP are tax-free, non-means tested payments, which means they don’t count towards the benefit cap. This makes it possible for individuals to receive up to £749.80 every four weeks, in addition to their other benefits such as Universal Credit or JSA.
When combined with a Universal Credit payment of £400.14 (single, over-25 rate), a claimant could potentially see £1,149.94 per month—if they are entitled to the highest rates of both daily living and mobility components of PIP or ADP.
Eligibility Criteria for PIP and ADP
It’s important to understand that having a health condition does not automatically qualify someone for PIP or ADP.
Eligibility depends on the impact the condition has on an individual’s daily living and/or mobility needs. The DWP uses specific criteria to assess whether someone qualifies for these payments.
PIP and ADP Payment Breakdown
The PIP benefit consists of two components: daily living and mobility. Payments are assessed based on how much the condition affects your daily life. Here’s a breakdown of the payment rates:
- Daily Living Component:
- Standard Rate: £73.90 per week
- Enhanced Rate: £110.40 per week
- Mobility Component:
- Standard Rate: £29.20 per week
- Enhanced Rate: £77.05 per week
The same eligibility criteria apply to ADP claims in Scotland.
Disability Categories for PIP and ADP
The DWP categorizes a wide range of disabilities and health conditions under PIP and ADP. These include conditions like cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, mental health disorders, and neurological diseases. The following list includes some of the major categories:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Psychiatric Disorders
- Neurological Disease
- Musculoskeletal Disease
- Hearing Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Disease
- Endocrine Disease
- Autoimmune Diseases
These categories encompass over 530 health conditions that may qualify for financial assistance.
Eligibility Requirements for PIP or ADP
To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must meet the following criteria:
- Difficulty in daily living or mobility tasks for at least three months.
- Expectation that these difficulties will continue for at least nine months.
- You must have lived in the UK for at least two out of the last three years.
If you struggle with tasks like cooking, managing medication, dressing, or moving around, you may be eligible to apply for PIP or ADP.
How the DWP Assesses Eligibility
The DWP evaluates the severity of your condition based on several factors:
- Whether you can complete tasks safely.
- The time it takes you to complete each task.
- The frequency of the difficulties you face.
- Whether you require assistance from a person or use additional equipment.
How to Apply for PIP or ADP
To make a claim for PIP or ADP, you must contact the DWP. You can find more information and apply through the official GOV.UK website.
Many individuals may be missing out on significant financial support due to a lack of awareness about PIP and ADP. These benefits, which are available to those who have long-term health conditions or disabilities, offer vital assistance for daily living and mobility needs. It’s essential to check eligibility and apply to ensure you’re receiving the full support you’re entitled to.
FAQs
How much can I receive from PIP or ADP?
If you qualify, you can receive up to £749.80 every four weeks, depending on the severity of your condition and the components you qualify for.
Can I claim PIP or ADP if I’m already receiving Universal Credit or JSA?
Yes, you can claim PIP or ADP in addition to Universal Credit or JSA, and they won’t count towards your benefit cap.
How do I know if I qualify for PIP or ADP?
Eligibility is based on the impact your health condition has on your daily living and mobility needs. You must have been experiencing these difficulties for at least three months and expect them to continue for nine months.