The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new figures which show how many people receive the benefit for a long period of time
New data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveal that over 1.5 million individuals, accounting for a whopping 42.4% of all 3.5 million Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimers, possess an award limning its validity for five or more years.
Figures mined till the end of April show a sorry yet towering figure of 1,501,215 people in Scotland, England, Wales, and even abroad who keep raking in the cash assistance for grappling with disabilities, long-term illness, or a health condition either mental, physical or both.
A significant number among them are people channelling resources towards facing sight impairments over 58% of these are awarded up to £737.20 monthly lasting well over five years.
The DWP report also shines light on beneficiaries experiencing general musculoskeletal problems including arthritis or pain in muscles/joints wherein the majority have received a long-time award mirroring a similar scenario where 49.5% patients of neurological diseases were handed out enhanced duration PIP benefits. It’s crucial the future claimants note that while applying for PIP or the Scottish equivalent Adult Disability Payment (ADP), awards may differ in longevity ranging anywhere between nine months to an entire decade, though the DWP accounts only those exceeding ‘five years or longer’.
The 2024 version of the PIP Handbook indicates that decision-maker’s discernment is integrated when adjudicating PIP awards. The determining factor seems to revolve around the claimants health condition or disability severity; infringing deeply into their daily life and independence.
The excerpt expounds further: “The length of award will be based upon each claimant’s individual circumstances.”
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has outlined that most benefits claimants will get regular reviews of their awards “regardless of the length of the award”, to confirm “everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support”, as reported by the Daily Record.
In certain cases, claimants might be given a restricted term award for up to two years – these awards, per the DWP, won’t be reviewed. These no-review limited awards are issued when it’s projected the claimant’s health may improve.
A ‘light touch’ review is typically awarded to claimants who have:
- very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time
- high-level needs which will either stay the same or get worse
- a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age
- a special rule for end-of-life claim due when of State Pension age
The DWP guidance states: “These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.”
A successful claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance Disability Payment (ADP) can now provide between £28.70 and £184.30 each week in additional financial support. As the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £114.80 and £737.20 every pay period.
Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer
It’s important to note that people with different health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or longer. The award is based on how the condition affects the claimant.
The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of April 2024.
| Condition | Total Claimants | 5-Year+ Awards | % |
|
Visual disease |
59,085 |
34,692 |
58.7% |
|
Musculoskeletal disease (general) |
672,201 |
341,434 |
50.8% |
|
Neurological disease |
465,187 |
230,412 |
49.5% |
|
Respiratory disease |
138,003 |
64,835 |
46.9% |
|
Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) |
19,240 |
8,697 |
45.2% |
|
Musculoskeletal disease (regional) |
416,878 |
185,916 |
44.6% |
|
Total number of PIP claimants |
3,544,042 |
1,501,215 |
42.4% |
Below is a brief overview of PIP and ADP. Although new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, the eligibility criteria remain largely the same.
Comprehensive guidance on ADP can be found on the MYGOV. SCOT website.
Who might qualify for PIP or ADP?
To qualify for PIP or ADP, 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 continue for at least 9 months.
You typically need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition to what was outlined above, if you receive or require assistance with any of the following due to your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP.
- 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, which can be found on the GOV. UK website.
The DWP will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will examine:
- 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 are PIP and ADP paid?
PIP and ADP are typically paid every four weeks, unless you’re terminally ill, in which case it’s paid weekly. The payments are made directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
PIP and ADP payment rates for 2024/25
An assessment is required to determine the level of financial assistance you’ll receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you’re getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP consists of two components:
Whether you get one or both of these and how much you get depends on how severely your condition affects you.
The following amounts will be paid per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
Standard rate: £72.65.
Enhanced rate: £108.55.
Mobility
Standard rate: £28.70.
Enhanced rate: £75.75.
How you are assessed
You’ll be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need for PIP.
Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments – it’s important to be aware that the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments unless this is preferred by the claimant – find out more about the changes here.
How do you apply for PIP?
To make a new claim, get in touch with the DWP. All the necessary information to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you ring up, ensure you have:
- 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.
- the name, address and telephone number of your doctor or health worker.
- dates and addresses for any periods you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital.
How to apply for ADP
Individuals can apply for ADP over the phone, by post or in person. For more information or to apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or ring Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
