Successful claim for PIP could instantly boost your Universal Credit or legacy benefit payments
09.06.2022 - 15:11
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in January 2022 there were 5.6 million people across the UK receiving financial support through Universal Credit, a benefit intended to help those out of work or on a low income with daily living costs.
That figure is expected to rise this year after changes to the taper rate and work allowance rule in November now means that an estimated 500,000 more people may now be eligible for support through Universal Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance.
However, many new and existing benefit claimants may not be aware that they could also be eligible for additional support on top of a Universal Credit claim through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and qualify for a disability premium.
PIP is a benefit for those over 16 and under State Pension age, that can help with daily living costs and mobility needs as the result of a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition - and it could be worth hundreds of pounds every month.
There are nearly 2.9 million people in the UK, including more than 305,000 living in Scotland, receiving financial support of between £24.45 and £156.90 each week - the benefit is paid every four weeks so this amounts to between £97.80 and £627.60 every payment period.
You don’t need to have worked or paid National Insurance to qualify for PIP. It isn’t means-tested either, so it doesn’t matter what your income is, how much you have in savings, or whether you're currently employed.
The biggest misconception about PIP is that the DWP will only award the benefit to people with outwardly visible physical, long-term health conditions or disabilities.
In fact, PIP is a benefit aimed at providing support for people with an