New figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now 4 million people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The data also indicates there were 680,000 people of State Pension age in receipt of the disability payment at the end of April.
This means hundreds of thousands of pensioners are receiving up to £1,743 a month - albeit in two separate payments. The full New State Pension is worth £965.20 every four-week payment period while PIP - or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland - is worth up to a maximum of £778.40.
PIP guidance change for those nearing State Pension age
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 they are now generally awarded ongoing awards".
Ongoing awards typically last for 10 years, however, award types and review periods are set on an individual basis, based on the claimant's needs and the likelihood of those needs changing. It takes into account such matters as planned treatment or therapy, or learning or adapting to manage a condition.
It's also important to be aware the State Pension age started a phased rise to 67 last month, with the move due to be completed by March 2028.
PIP award lengths and review periods
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.
The full New State Pension is worth £2421.30 each week (£965.20 every 4-week pay period) and the Basic State Pension up to £184.90 (£739.60 every 4-week pay period) - how much you are paid depends on the amount of National Insurance contributions made.
Although payments for State Pension, PIP and ADP are made separately, they could provide a combined monthly income of up to £1,743 - based on someone in receipt of the full New State Pension and highest rate of PIP or ADP awards for the daily living and mobility component.
PIP and ADP payment rates
You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP is made up of two components: daily living and mobility. Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
- Daily living standard rate: £76.70
- Daily living enhanced rate: £114.60
- Mobility standard rate: £30.30
- Mobility enhanced rate: £80.00
PIP, ADP and State Pension age rules
When someone reaches State Pension age, they can no longer make a new claim for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or ADP. However, if someone is already receiving PIP, DLA, or ADP when they reach State Pension age, they will continue to receive the benefit until the award period ends where it will be reviewed following the normal process.
People who reach State Pension age who are no longer claiming any of the working age disability benefits may also be able to reclaim it - as long as they are claiming for the same health conditions they initially received the award for and the last claim ended less than 12 months before reaching State Pension age.
For people over State Pension age with a health condition, long-term illness or disability they may be eligible for Attendance Allowance - this is worth either £76.70 or £114.60 every week from DWP.
Eligibility for PIP and ADP
To be eligible 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 and expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months. You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
If you get or need help with any of the following because of 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, you will find these on the GOV.UK website.
DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at: 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 to make a new claim for PIP
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP. Before you call, you will need: your contact details; your date of birth; your National Insurance number; 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.
Even if you don't qualify for financial support, you could be eligible for a National Entitlement Travel Card, which offers free or reduced travel across Scotland on most public transport links.
How to apply for Adult Disability Payment
People can apply for ADP over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
