Universal Credit claimants with disabilities or long-term health conditions could receive up to £1,203.30 a month by combining their monthly benefit with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), according to recent DWP figures.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reports that 8.4 million people across Great Britain currently claim Universal Credit. The income-related benefit supports those in work on a low income, as well as those who are out of work or unable to work.
However, many claimants may not realise that PIP, or its Scottish equivalent ADP, can provide extra money for daily living or mobility costs. These disability benefits are separate from means-tested benefits and are issued at different times: Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) are paid on the same date each month, while PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks.
Payment rates and potential monthly total
PIP and ADP are tax-free, non-means-tested payments that do not count towards the benefit cap. This means a single claimant over 25 on Universal Credit or JSA making a new claim for either benefit could receive up to £778.40 every four weeks independently of their other benefits.
Combined with a monthly Universal Credit payment of £424.90 (single, over-25 rate), this could provide up to £1,203.30 a month. This figure assumes the claimant receives the higher rate of both the daily living and mobility components of either PIP or ADP.
It is important to note that the health condition itself does not automatically qualify someone for PIP or ADP; eligibility depends on how the condition affects a person's daily living and mobility needs.
PIP and ADP rates and assessment
PIP consists of two components: daily living and mobility. Payments are made every four weeks. The weekly rates are:
- Daily living standard rate: £76.70
- Daily living enhanced rate: £114.60
- Mobility standard rate: £30.30
- Mobility enhanced rate: £80.00
ADP has replaced PIP for new claims in Scotland and shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Full guidance on ADP is available on the mygov.scot website.
Claimants are assessed by an independent healthcare professional to determine the level of financial support needed for PIP. Face-to-face consultations are offered alongside video calls, telephone, and paper-based assessments. ADP assessments do not involve face-to-face meetings unless preferred by the claimant.
Eligibility and how to apply
To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months and expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine 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.
An award for PIP or ADP can also open the door to additional support for housing costs, Council Tax, other benefits, and a reduction or exemption on public transport fares.
To make a new PIP claim, contact the DWP with your contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number, bank or building society account details, your doctor's details, and dates and addresses for any time spent abroad, in a care home, or hospital. For ADP, apply over the phone, by post, or in-person via mygov.scot or by calling Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
