Thousands of Britons with certain health conditions could be missing out on weekly payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is available to people aged 16 to state pension age, helping with costs linked to long-term mental and physical health conditions.
What is PIP?
PIP is claimed by around four million people in the UK and is not means-tested, nor based on National Insurance contributions. It can be paid even if you are in full-time employment or have savings. The benefit has two parts: daily living (for help with everyday tasks) and mobility (for help getting around). The rate depends on how much your condition affects you.
Payments range from £76.55 to £114.80 per week for the daily living component, and £30.20 to £80.10 for the mobility component.
Mental health conditions that qualify
The DWP lists more than 500 conditions that could qualify for PIP. Among the mental health conditions are personality disorder, PTSD, anxiety disorders, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, eating disorders, autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities.
Other qualifying conditions include specific learning disorders like dyslexia, speech or language disorders, and substance misuse disorders.
Changes for existing claimants
Existing PIP claimants over 25 have been sent letters about a change in their award length. Their eligibility may be extended without reassessment, a move the DWP says will improve efficiency and help tackle its backlog.
