What Is PIP and How Does It Work?
What is PIP?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a government benefit in the UK that provides financial support for people living with long-term disabilities or health conditions. It is designed to help with extra costs related to daily living and mobility needs. PIP replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for individuals aged 16 to 64.
PIP is made up of two parts:
Daily Living Component: This component helps those who need support with tasks like preparing food, washing, dressing, and managing medications.
Mobility Component: This part helps those who need help with getting around, such as walking longer distances or using transport.
How Does PIP Help?
PIP helps individuals manage the additional costs associated with their disability or condition. This can include:
Costs for specialized equipment (e.g., mobility aids or prosthetics).
Travel costs for assistance with transport.
Support for everyday tasks that are made more difficult due to the condition.
Who Is Eligible for PIP?
To qualify for PIP, you need to meet the following criteria, as outlined by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP):
Age: You must be aged 16 to 64. If you're under 16, you may be eligible for DLA (Disability Living Allowance) instead.
Disability or health condition: You must have a physical or mental condition that affects your daily life or ability to move around. Some examples include:
Physical disabilities such as mobility issues, amputations, or arthritis.
Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Long-term conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis.
Cognitive impairments like autism, learning disabilities, or dementia.
Residency: You must live in the UK, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands and have been living here for at least 2 years. There are exceptions for some groups, such as military personnel or foreign nationals with permission to reside.
Assessment: PIP is not means-tested, so your income or savings won’t impact your eligibility. However, you will need to undergo a PIP assessment to determine the level of support you need.
How We Can Help with Your PIP Claim
At PIP Ready, we know that the PIP application process can be daunting, which is why we’re here to help you every step of the way.
You don’t have to worry about filling out complex forms or gathering medical evidence on your own. Our expert team of advocates is here to assist with all aspects of the PIP application process, from completing the forms to submitting your evidence and even handling the Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) if your claim is refused.
How Much Can You Receive with PIP?
The amount you can receive depends on how much help you need with daily living activities and mobility.
Daily Living Component:
Standard Rate: £72.65 per week
Enhanced Rate: £108.55 per week
This component is for individuals who require help with daily tasks, such as eating, managing medications, and getting dressed.
Mobility Component:
Standard Rate: £28.70 per week
Enhanced Rate: £75.75 per week
The mobility component helps with travel-related issues, such as walking or using public transport. If you struggle to walk long distances or need help to get around, you may qualify for this component.
Example of a Potential Total Weekly Payment:
If you qualify for Enhanced Daily Living and Enhanced Mobility, you could receive up to £184.30 per week.
Why PIP Ready Can Help
At PIP Ready, we understand that the PIP process can be complicated and stressful. That’s why we offer full support to ensure you complete the process correctly:
We handle all the paperwork: From filling out the claim form to submitting supporting evidence, we’ll complete everything on your behalf. No need to stress about filling out complicated forms.
You don’t need to attend appointments: We’ve found that many clients prefer to handle the application via written communication. With us, you’ll only need to speak to us once to get the ball rolling.
Expert support with evidence: Gathering the right evidence is key. We’ll help guide you on what’s needed and ensure everything is submitted to strengthen your claim.
We’ll review your case: We’ll check your completed form and evidence to make sure it accurately reflects your condition and needs. If needed, we’ll make any amendments to ensure everything is accurate before submitting it.
Help with the appeals process: If your claim is denied or you’re not happy with the decision, we’ll assist you through the Mandatory Reconsideration or appeal process to give you the best chance of success.
The PIP application process can seem challenging, but with the right support, it becomes manageable. PIP Ready is here to make sure you don't face it alone. Whether you need help with the paperwork, guidance on what evidence to include, or assistance navigating the complex forms, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re ready to get the support you deserve, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
