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Personal Independence Payment replaced the Disability Living Allowance and has two components, or parts:
Each component has a lower rate and a higher, or enhanced, rate. You can receive PIP even if you're working, have extra money in savings, or are getting other benefits and isn't means tested. Which rate you get only depends on how difficult you find everyday activities, for the daily living component, and how difficult you find getting around, for the mobility component.
You need to daily living or mobility needs that require extra help because of an illness, disability, or mental health condition in order to apply. You must be under state pension age to claim PIP for the first time and if you have reached state pension age you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
In Scotland the application is for Adult Disability Payment, which you can learn more about here, and is also available if you live in Northern Ireland.
You can make a PIP claim if you meet the following criteria:
You are able to claim PIP if you receive other benefits, except Armed Forces Independence Payment, or have separate income. This means that if you are working or have additional savings you can still apply for and receive PIP as long as you meet the other requirements.
Once you have checked that you are eligible, you can apply for PIP on the phone, via post, or online. If you need assistance on the phone you can request to have another person added to your call or they can call on your behalf but you will need to be with them when they call. Applying via post can take longer to get a decision.
You'll be asked to fill in a "How your disability affects you" form and return it and it is advised that you include supporting documents if you have them, such as prescription lists, care plans, or information that your doctor or other professionals involved in your car have provided.
After your form has been reviewed you may be invited to an assessment with a health professional if they require some more information from you including how your condition affects you daily living and mobility tasks and any treatments you have had or will receive. Usually this can be done in person, over the phone, or via a video call and takes around an hour.
After all for this you'll then receive a letter which will tell you whether or not you will receive PIP. It will also advise the date of your first payment if you are successful.
