PIP stands for Personal Independence Payment. It’s an updated social security benefit that the government introduced in April 2017 to help those who have disabilities and require assistance to lead independent lifestyles. In this article we’ll discuss PIP eligibility, how to apply, and any other questions you might have.

What is Personal Independence Payment or PIP?

PIP is a benefit offered by the government of the United Kingdom that allows individuals to receive extra money if they have a disability that affects their ability to manage their own day-to-day living activities. In other words, PIP gives you extra money if you qualify for an impairment that affects your mobility, self-care, hygiene, and ability to manage your money.

The two main criteria that determine whether you’re eligible for PIP are:

• You must have a medical condition that’s severe enough to prevent you from living independently
• You must meet the additional criteria listed below to be awarded PIP

Who’s eligible for PIP in the UK?

Under the PIP system, you can receive the benefit if you have a disability that affects your mobility, self-care, hygiene, and ability to manage your money. In addition, both partners of a disabled individual can also receive PIP if they have a child with a disability. The specific disability that you have must also be listed in the PIP award notice. A disability is considered to be severe enough to prevent you from living independently if it causes you to have difficulty in learning, mobility, communication, or self-care. Impairments that result from having a physical condition, a learning difficulty, or a brain injury are all considered disabilities.

How to apply for PIP

You can apply for PIP in one of two ways. You can either apply online or by filling out a paper form. If you applied for PIP online, you cannot then apply for a paper form. The online application has to be completed by the person applying for PIP. If you’re applying for PIP on paper, you must provide documentation that proves your disability and meets the requirements listed in the PIP award notice. 

Our charity can help you apply for PIP

The Disability Resource Centre is a small charity that supports people living in Milton Keynes, Luton, Bedford and Central Bedfordshire.

Our team can help you to get out and about and stay connected. We can help you apply for Personal Independence Payments (PIP)  that can provide a daily living part if you need help with everyday tasks or a mobility part if you need help with getting around. Whether you get one or both parts and how much you get depends on how difficult you find everyday tasks and getting around. 

Please contact us to discuss how we can help you which may include arranging a free appointment with our Benefits Advisor. They are an expert in claiming benefits for disabled people and people with a long term health condition. 

Come to our mobility equipment shop in Dunstable

We can provide advice and also stock a range of mobility aids, if you need help getting around, including a variety of:

• Rollators
• Wheelchairs
• Walking frames
• Walking sticks

Visit us at our mobility equipment shop at the Mayfield Centre, 4 Mayfield Road, Dunstable, LU5  4AP. 

Other steps are required while applying for PIP

If you applied for PIP online, you will have to wait 24 hours before you can submit your application. You also have to wait five working days before you can submit your PIP application if you’re applying by paper. If you don’t have all of these steps done correctly, your PIP application will be rejected automatically. You will also have to submit a PIP application form along with the required documentation that proves your disability and meets the requirements listed in the PIP award notice.

PIP benefits

You may receive the following PIP benefits:

• Extra money for living costs – This payment helps you cover the extra costs of living with a disability like increased electricity bills, transport costs, and hiring a carer
• Extra money for medical costs – If you have a disability that affects your mobility, self-care, hygiene, or ability to manage your money, you can receive an extra payment to help with your medical costs
• Extra money for household help – You can receive extra money if you need help with tasks around the house, like shopping or housework, that you’re unable to do because of your disability
• Extra money for equipment – If you have an impairment that affects your mobility, you can receive an extra payment to help you buy equipment like a wheelchair lift
• Extra money for adaptations – If you have an impairment that affects your ability to get around, you can also receive an extra payment to help pay for adaptations like ramps and lifts

Other benefits you may be eligible for

If you’re awarded PIP and are over the age of 65, you may also receive the following benefits:

• A bus pass: If you use public transport to get around, you can receive a bus pass as part of your PIP award
• Personal Assistant (PA): If you need assistance with daily tasks like shopping, cooking, and cleaning, you can receive extra money to hire a personal assistant
• A carer: If you need help with mobility or with daily tasks, you can receive extra money to hire a carer
• A disability-friendly car: If you own a car and need assistance with driving, you can receive a disability-friendly car
• Extra home help: If you need assistance with mobility or with daily tasks, you can receive an extra payment to hire someone to help around the home

Do you have any questions about PIP?

Please contact us to discuss how we can answer all your questions about claiming PIP, which may include arranging a free appointment with our Benefits Advisor.