DWP PIP payments could mean you're entitled to extra benefits - how to check

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently published an updated version of its popular PIP Handbook which provides detailed information about the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process and entitlement conditions

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In Scotland, new claims for PIP have been superseded by the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) (Image: Getty) Sign up to our free email newsletter to receive the latest breaking news and daily roundups More Newsletters Subscribe Please enter a valid email Something went wrong, please try again later. More Newsletters We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you.

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More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit aimed at assisting individuals over 16 and below State Pension age who are living with more than 530 health conditions or disabilities. These may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual, cognitive, or a combination thereof. In Scotland, new claims for PIP have been superseded by the Adult Disability Payment (ADP), but the information in this article remains relevant for those residing north of the border.

Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that over 3.6 million people across Great Britain, including nearly 80,000 in Scotland, were recipients of PIP as of the end of October 2024. Existing claimants will see their awards transitioned to the devolved system in the coming months.

A successful claim for PIP or ADP can now yield between £26.90 and £101.75 per week to aid with additional daily living and mobility expenses.

Moreover, a PIP award could potentially allow claimants to qualify for means-tested benefits, even if they've previously been deemed ineligible. According to the PIP Handbook, it might also be possible to backdate certain benefits to the start of their PIP award. This is due to the fact that PIP entitlement can serve as a gateway or passport to other benefits, such as Carer's Allowance, and schemes sponsored by other departments, like the Blue Badge, reports the Daily Record .

Existing claimants will see their award transferred to the devolved system in the coming months (Image: Getty Images) The guidance provides that additional qualifying conditions may apply to many benefits and schemes, but for some, like the Blue Badge program, alternative routes to access are available that do not necessitate a specific rate or component of PIP. Information on backdating other benefits for individuals receiving ADP can be found in full on the mygov.scot website .

The advice offered states: "For DWP benefits, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, we share information to enable claimants to automatically access other disability benefits and services. However, claimants should inform other benefit offices about their entitlement to make sure they're paid the correct amounts, particularly if there are any changes in their circumstances and awards." In most instances, according to DWP, a PIP award letter will be required as proof of entitlement.

Furthermore, the guidance mentions that carers might be able to claim Income Support, which could include up to 26 weeks while the PIP application is being processed, with the possibility of ongoing claims post-PIP award. DWP encourages benefit seekers to get advice about any additional entitlements they may have. It is important to check eligibility for potential benefits that could be claimed with a PIP award, ensuring no extra support is overlooked.

For assistance, details are provided on where to seek help. While you may not qualify for any of these benefits, it’s worthwhile checking to make sure you are not missing out on additional support. Access to Work Carer’s Allowance Carer’s Credit Child Tax Credit - new claims are now replaced by Universal Credit Council Tax Reduction Council Tax Discount Employment and Support Allowance - only if you get the PIP daily living component Housing Benefit Income Support‎ Jobseeker’s Allowance Pension Credit - only if you get the PIP or ADP daily living component Universal Credit Working Tax Credit - new claims replaced by Universal Credit Those who have already applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or have general questions about their award and potential additional entitlements should reach out to the Disability Service Centre .

They can provide advice or information regarding existing claims for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance. Full contact details, including phone numbers, are available on the GOV. UK website.

A comprehensive guide to backdating other benefits for individuals receiving ADP is accessible on the mygov.scot website . Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks.

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