Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has replaced the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults (16-64). It has a Daily Living Component and a Mobility Component. Each component has two rates – standard and enhanced. All existing DLA claimants will be reassessed for PIP once it is introduced.
Key features of the new system:
- DLA claimants will not automatically transfer to PIP. Everyone will need to make a new claim.
(Once you are contacted to request an assessment make sure that you reply quickly- this is important!)
- All new claims from anyone aged 16-64 will be for PIP instead of DLA.
- existing DLA claimants will be reassessed for PIP.
- Everyone still getting DLA will have to make a claim for PIP.
- There are 2 parts to PIP – daily living and getting around.
Claims will normally be made over the phone, although claimants will also be asked to complete an 18 page questionnaire providing information on how their disability affects them. Most people will then be asked to attend a face-to-face consultation with a health professional as part of the claim process. Claimants can take somebody with them to support them. This could include a social worker, friend or carer.
TIPS - before you complete the forms
Completing a form can seem daunting at first but if you prepare well in advance the process can be less stressful.
If you have, or can get, copies of any assessments and diagnosis it will strengthen your claim. Also make a list with the contact details of GP's, Social Workers and other professionals who know the person making the claim.
Read the questions again and again and look at other guides held online including your local Citizens Advice . There are many other links, just google PIP
Don't forget - every loose leaf submitted must have your National Insurance number on at the top of the sheet.
Depending upon where you live you may be able to seek assistance with completing the form by a professional. In the Vale of Glamorgan, Diverse Cymru offer this service, in Cardiff your local Hub should be able to signpost you.
Finally - make sure that you take a copy of your completed submission to refer to later and send it in well before the cut off date
More information can be obtained from:
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip this site includes a simple tool to give you an idea of your eligibility.
DWP has produced a toolkit of communications materials including the Personal Independence Payment toolkit which can be accessed from:
www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/disability/personal-independence-payment/pip-toolkit/
A leaflet on PIP can be obtained from:
www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dwp041.pdf