Claiming PIP can top up other benefit payments & unlock a range of extra perks

Justin Tomlinson gets questioned on PIP assessments

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PIP is awarded to those who have certain conditions which leaves them with difficulties in daily living or getting around. Higher payments are awarded to those who have particularly significant difficulties but on top of this, extra money can be awarded to top up other benefits or reduce costs.

Benefit top-ups

Those in receipt of PIP could get extra money on the other benefits they may be claiming, reductions in certain taxes such as council tax and discounts on travel. To apply for any of these additional perks, claimants will need their PIP award letters which are sent to them by the DWP following an initial application.

Payment top-ups for benefits, known as premiums, can be received for the following:

  • Housing Benefit
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Employment and Support Allowance – but only if they get the PIP daily living component
  • Pension Credit – but only if they get the PIP daily living component

To apply for these premiums, claimants will need to contact the office in charge of their benefits, which will usually be the DWP or HMRC. They will then need to tell them they’re getting PIP and enquire about what extra help this entitles them to.

Those who get either the daily living or mobility component of PIP may also get money off their council tax bill. The reductions will vary due to a range of factors such as the component and rate of PIP the claimant is getting, but local councils will be able to break down what’s available.

To apply for a Council Tax discount, claimants will need to contact their local council and tell them they’re getting PIP. They may also have to send a copy of their PIP award letter.

PIP eligibility

To be eligible for PIP initially, a claimant must be aged between 16 and state pension age. They must also have a physical or mental health condition or disability where they:

  • Have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months
  • Expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months

Claimants will need to have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years, and be in one of these countries when they apply.

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Payment amounts

Where claimants are eligible for PIP, they’ll receive a payment made up of two elements – a daily living and mobility part. Whether a person gets one or both of these will depend on how severely their condition affects them.

Claimants will need to go through an assessment process to determine how much they’ll get and their rates will be regularly reviewed to make sure they’re getting the right support.

PIP payments are tax free and the amount received is not dependent or affected by income or savings levels. The daily living part of PIP pays either £60.00 or £89.60 per week.

Mobility payments will pay out either £23.70 or £62.55. Claimants will get the higher daily living part if they’re not expected to live more than six months.

It should be noted the daily living part of PIP will be reduced if a claimant gets Constant Attendance Allowance or a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.

PIP is usually paid once every four weeks. Following an application, a decision letter will be sent telling the claimant the date of their first payments, along with what day of the week they’ll be paid going forward.

Where payment dates fall on a bank holiday, claimants will usually be paid on the first working day beforehand. All benefits, including state pensions, are paid into a bank, building society or credit union account of the claimants choosing.

PIP claimants who work may also be able to get the disability element of Working Tax Credit.

This could be worth up to £3,220 a year, or up to £4,610 if their disability is severe. HMRC will need to be contacted for more information on this.

How to claim PIP

Claims for PIP can be made by contacting the DWP. This can be done over the phone, by textphone or through the post.

When applying, claimants will need to have certain information at the ready. This will include personal details, bank details and information for their health worker.

Following a claim, applicants will go through an assessment process but due to coronavirus, they’ll only be invited to attend an assessment in person if more information is needed and they cannot do an assessment by phone or video call.

Where claimants are unhappy with a decision from the DWP following a claim, they will be able to challenge it under mandatory reconsideration rules. These challenges can also be made for a range of other benefits.

Beyond this, claimants may be able to appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if they think the decision in the mandatory reconsideration notice is wrong.

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