Understanding DWP PIP eligibility and payments for older people

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that over 3.8 million people across Great Britain are now claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The data also shows that 627,794 people aged between 65 and 79 were receiving the disability payment as of the end of July, boosting their monthly income to up to £1,670.80.

Throughout this financial year, thousands of people over State Pension age in England, Scotland, and Wales with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition will receive support ranging from £116.80 to £749.80 every four-week pay period.

Many people over 56 and nearing State Pension age may not be aware of a change to PIP guidance in 2019 that states: "Claimants whose review would have taken place when they were of State Pension age means that they are now generally awarded ongoing awards".

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Award types and review periods are determined on an individual basis, taking into account the claimant's needs and the likelihood of those needs changing. It considers factors such as planned treatment/therapy or learning/adapting to manage a condition, reports the Daily Record.

PIP awards

Guidance from DWP states:

• For fixed length awards, the review period usually ranges from a minimum of nine months to a maximum 10 years
• Review periods of less than nine months are set only in exceptional circumstances
• An award of two years or less is considered short-term

Combined incomes

The full, New State Pension is valued at £230.25 per week (£921 every 4-week pay period), and the Basic State Pension up to £176.45 (£705.80 every 4-week pay period) - your payment depends on the amount of National Insurance contributions made.

Despite State Pension, PIP payments being made separately, they could provide a combined monthly income of up to £1,670.80 - this is based on someone receiving the full, New State Pension and highest PIP awards for the daily living and mobility component.

PIP payment rates

An assessment is required to determine the level of financial assistance you will receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are getting the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks.

PIP consists of two components:

• Daily living.
• Mobility.

Whether you receive one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.

Depending on your circumstances, you will be paid the following amounts per week:

Daily living

Standard rate: £73.90.

Enhanced rate: £110.40.

Mobility

Standard rate: £29.20.

Enhanced rate: £77.05.

PIP and State Pension age

Upon reaching State Pension age, people can no longer make a new claim for PIP. However, people already receiving PIP upon reaching State Pension age will continue to receive the benefit until the end of the award period, at which point it will be reviewed following standard procedures.

Those who reach State Pension age and are no longer claiming any of the working-age disability benefits may also be able to reclaim them - provided they are claiming for the same health conditions that initially warranted the award and their last claim ended less than 12 months prior to reaching State Pension age.

For those in England and Wales over State Pension age with a health condition, long-term illness or disability, they may be eligible for Attendance Allowance - this is worth either £73.90 or £110.40 every week from the DWP. More information about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found here.

If you have not yet reached State Pension age but are living with a health condition, disability or long-term illness, you may qualify for PIP. Here's a brief overview of both benefits.

Who qualifies for PIP?

To be eligible for PIP, 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 persist for at least nine months.

You typically need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we've detailed above, if you receive or require assistance with any of the following due to your condition, you should consider applying for PIP.

• 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

There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here.

The DWP will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will examine each task as follows:

• 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 you are assessed

An independent healthcare professional will assess you to assist the DWP in determining the level of financial support, if any, you require for PIP.

Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are available, along with video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments. Most assessments are conducted over the phone.

How to make a new claim for PIP

You can initiate a new claim by contacting the DWP; all the information you need to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

Before you call, you will need:

• Your contact details.
• Your date of birth.
• Your National Insurance number - this can be found on letters about tax, pensions and benefits.
• Your 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.

For more information about PIP, visit GOV.UK here.