The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new figures revealing that over 3.5 million people across Great Britain are now claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
However, these record-breaking numbers do not account for those in Scotland who have transitioned from PIP to Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
Currently, 172,954 Scots continue to receive PIP from the DWP, while Social Security Scotland’s latest data shows that 254,365 individuals are receiving ADP. The shift from PIP to the devolved payment is still underway and is expected to be finalised by the end of next year.
Furthermore, the DWP statistics highlight that 250,000 new PIP claims were lodged in England and Wales in the three months leading up to April – marking the highest level of applications since the benefit’s inception in 2013.
Just over a third (36%) of these cases received the maximum award, which ranges between £114.80 and £737.20 every four-week payment period.
PIP or ADP supports more than 500 health conditions, although this list is not exhaustive and includes an ‘unknown’ category, reports the Daily Record.
The five most frequently recorded PIP health conditions
As of the end of April 2024, the DWP recorded the following as the main disabling conditions:
1. Psychiatric disorder.
Claimed by 1,347,889 individuals (37%). This encompasses mixed anxiety, stress, depressive and mood disorders, OCD and cognitive disorders.
2. Musculoskeletal disease (general). Claimed by 672,201 individuals (20%). This includes muscle or joint pain and arthritic conditions.
3. Neurological disease. A total of 465,187 claimants (13%) suffer from conditions including muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, headache, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy and other movement disorders.
4. Musculoskeletal disease (regional). This affects 416,878 claimants (12%), with conditions ranging from neck, back, shoulders, elbow, wrists, hands, hip, knee and ankle pain.
5. Respiratory disease is experienced by 138,003 claimants (4%), encompassing asthma, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis.
One in three (36%) of all claims with entitlement to PIP at the end of April are in receipt of the highest level of award. An award for PIP or ADP can also lead to additional support for housing costs, Council Tax, other benefits and reduced travel on public transport.
The DWP records disabling conditions under main disability categories, an umbrella term covering over 500 other conditions. This list provides only a snapshot of conditions, disorders and diseases and how the DWP lists the main disabilities being claimed for.
Below is an overview of PIP and ADP. Although new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria.
Full guidance on ADP can be found on the MYGOV. SCOT website.
Who might qualify for PIP or ADP?
To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:
– have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months.
– expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months.
You typically need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be present in the country when you apply. If you require or receive assistance with any of the following due to your condition, you should contemplate applying for PIP or ADP, in addition to what we’ve detailed above.
There are distinct rules if you’re terminally ill, which can be found on the GOV. UK website here. The DWP or Social Security Scotland will evaluate how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will examine each task as follows:
– whether you can do it safely
– how long it takes you
– how often your condition affects this activity
– whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
How are PIP and ADP disbursed?
PIP and ADP are generally paid every four weeks unless you’re terminally ill, in which case it’s paid weekly. It will be directly deposited into your bank, building society, or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
PIP and ADP payment rates for 2024/25
An assessment is required to determine the level of financial aid you’ll receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you’re receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP consists of two components:
- Daily living
- Mobility
Whether you receive one or both of these and the amount depends on the severity of your condition’s impact on you.
Depending on your circumstances, you will be paid the following amounts per week:
Daily living
Standard rate: £72.65.
Enhanced rate: £108.55.
Mobility
Standard rate: £28.70.
Enhanced rate: £75.75.
How you are assessed
To determine the level of financial support you may need for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), an independent healthcare professional will assess you on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP offers face-to-face consultations, video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments for health-related benefits. The type of assessment best suited for each claimant is determined by the health professional and the DWP.
More information about DWP PIP assessments can be found here.
For Adult Disability Payment assessments, face-to-face assessments are not required unless preferred by the claimant. More details about these changes can be found here. To make a claim for PIP, contact the DWP. All necessary information for application can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Before calling, ensure you have:
– Your contact details.
– Your date of birth.
– Your National Insurance number (found on letters about tax, pensions and benefits).
– Your bank or building society account number and sort code.
– Your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number.
– Dates and addresses for any time spent abroad, in a care home or hospital.
To apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP), applications can be made over the phone, by post or in-person. For more information or to apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov. scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
