Older individuals filing a new claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) may be eligible for a 10-year payment award, potentially increasing their monthly income to £1,743. Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that over 3.9 million people are currently claiming PIP, with 683,994 of State Pension age receiving the disability payment as of January. This boosts their monthly income by up to £1,670.80.
State Pension and Benefits Uprating
Following the annual State Pension and benefits uprating in April, the maximum combined income from the full New State Pension and PIP or ADP has risen to £1,743 per month. The New State Pension is worth £965.20 every four-week payment period, while PIP or ADP can provide up to £778.40.
Guidance Change for Older Claimants
Many people over 56 approaching State Pension age may not be aware of a 2019 change to PIP guidance. This states that claimants whose review would occur at State Pension age are generally awarded ongoing awards. These ongoing awards typically last for 10 years, though award types and review periods are set individually based on the claimant's needs and the likelihood of changes. Factors considered include planned treatment or therapy and the ability to learn or adapt to manage a condition.
It is also important to note that the State Pension age began a phased increase to 67 last month, with completion expected by March 2028.
PIP Award Details
According to DWP guidance:
- For fixed-length awards, the review period usually ranges from a minimum of nine months to a maximum of 10 years.
- Review periods under nine months are set only in exceptional circumstances.
- An award of two years or less is considered short-term.
Combined Income Potential
The full New State Pension is worth £242.30 per week (£965.20 every four-week pay period), while the Basic State Pension pays up to £184.90 per week (£739.60 every four-week pay period). The amount depends on National Insurance contributions. Although State Pension, PIP, and ADP are paid separately, they can provide a combined monthly income of up to £1,743 for someone receiving the full New State Pension and the highest PIP or ADP rates for 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 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
State Pension Age and Eligibility
Once you reach State Pension age, you cannot make a new claim for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or ADP. However, if you are already receiving these benefits when you reach State Pension age, you will continue to receive them until the award period ends, after which they will be reviewed. People who reach State Pension age and are no longer claiming working-age disability benefits may reclaim 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 or disability, Attendance Allowance may be available, worth £76.70 or £114.60 per week.
Eligibility for PIP or ADP
To qualify for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability causing difficulties with daily living or mobility for three months, with these difficulties expected 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 applying.
Consider applying if you need help with:
- Preparing, cooking, or eating food
- Managing 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.
Assessment Process
The DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks, considering safety, time taken, frequency of impact, and need for help or equipment. Assessments are conducted by an independent healthcare professional via video call, telephone, or paper-based methods. Face-to-face consultations are available but most assessments occur over the phone. For ADP, face-to-face assessments are not conducted unless preferred by the claimant.
How to Apply
To make a new PIP claim, contact the DWP. Before calling, have your contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number, bank account information, and doctor's details ready. You may also qualify for a National Entitlement Travel Card offering free or reduced travel in Scotland.
For ADP, apply by phone, post, or in-person. Contact Social Security Scotland at 0800 182 2222 or visit mygov.scot.
