The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that 680,000 individuals over State Pension age are receiving a successful claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP). This could boost their total monthly income to as much as £1,743.
Current PIP and State Pension Figures
New figures from the DWP indicate there are now 4 million people claiming PIP across the UK. Among them, 680,000 are of State Pension age as of the end of April. This means hundreds of thousands of pensioners are receiving up to £1,743 a month from two separate payments: the full New State Pension, worth £965.20 every four-week payment period, and PIP or ADP, which can provide up to £778.40.
Changes to PIP Guidance for Older Claimants
Many people over 56 and nearing State Pension age may not be aware of a 2019 change to PIP guidance. This change states that claimants whose review would have taken place when they reached State Pension age are now generally awarded ongoing awards. These ongoing awards typically last for 10 years, though the exact duration and review periods are set on an individual basis, considering the claimant's needs and the likelihood of those needs changing. Factors such as planned treatment, therapy, or learning to manage a condition are taken into account.
It is also important to note that the State Pension age began a phased rise to 67 last month, with the increase expected to be completed by March 2028.
Combined Income Potential
The full New State Pension is worth £2421.30 each week (£965.20 every 4-week pay period), while the Basic State Pension provides up to £184.90 (£739.60 every 4-week pay period). The amount received depends on National Insurance contributions. Although State Pension, PIP, and ADP payments are made separately, they can provide a combined monthly income of up to £1,743 for someone receiving the full New State Pension and the highest rate of PIP or ADP for both daily living and mobility components.
PIP and ADP Payment Rates
PIP consists of two components: daily living and mobility. Whether you receive one or both, and the amount, depends on how severely your condition affects you. Weekly rates are as follows:
- Daily living: Standard rate £76.70, Enhanced rate £114.60
- Mobility: Standard rate £30.30, Enhanced rate £80.00
Payments are made every four weeks. An assessment is required to determine the level of financial help, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you receive the right support.
PIP, ADP, and State Pension Age
Once someone reaches State Pension age, they can no longer make a new claim for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or ADP. However, if they are already receiving one of these benefits when they reach State Pension age, they will continue to receive it until the award period ends, after which it will be reviewed following the normal process. People who reach State Pension age and are no longer claiming a working age disability benefit may reclaim it if they are claiming for the same health conditions and their last claim ended less than 12 months before reaching State Pension age.
For those over State Pension age with a health condition, long-term illness, or disability, Attendance Allowance may be available, worth either £76.70 or £114.60 per week from the DWP.
Eligibility for PIP or 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. Consider applying if you need help with any of the following due to your condition:
- Preparing, cooking, or eating food
- Managing your medication
- Washing, bathing, or using the toilet
- Dressing and undressing
- Engaging and communicating with others
- Reading and understanding written information
- Making decisions about money
- Planning a journey or following a route
- Moving around
Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which are available on the GOV.UK website.
How to Claim PIP or ADP
To make a new claim for PIP, contact the DWP. Before calling, have your contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number, bank account details, and your doctor's or health worker's name and address. Even if you do not qualify for financial support, you may be eligible for a National Entitlement Travel Card in Scotland.
For ADP, applications can be made over the phone, by post, or in person. Visit the mygov.scot website or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
