The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offer a monthly payment of £737 to individuals suffering from stress, anxiety or depression.
According to the latest figures, over 1.3 million people across Britain were claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for psychiatric disorders by the end of January. This includes conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders, stress reactions and depressive disorders.
It also encompasses other conditions that could potentially impact an individual’s mental wellbeing. The number of people claiming PIP for a psychiatric disorder has seen an increase of more than 462,000 between February 2020 and January 2024.
Read more: Full list of DWP and HMRC payments to be paid early next week
Last week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans for a new consultation on PIP. This would examine potential changes to the eligibility criteria, assessment process and support offered.
He warned that if no changes are made, PIP spending is projected to surge by over 50 per cent in the next four years, reports Birmingham Live.
Currently, almost 3.5 million people across Britain are receiving PIP, with 37 per cent claiming for psychiatric disorders including mental health conditions. PIP provides additional financial support for adults with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition who require assistance with daily tasks or mobility.
Following the annual adjustment earlier this month, a successful claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is now valued between £28.70 and £184.30 per week. The benefit is paid every four weeks, which equates to between £114.80 and £737.20 each payment period.
Those who require additional assistance to cover daily living or mobility costs due to a mental health condition should contemplate making a new PIP claim.
Who might qualify for PIP?
To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:.
– Have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months.
– Expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months.
You typically need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply. If you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP:
- preparing, cooking or eating food
- managing your medication
- washing, bathing or using the toilet
- dressing and undressing
- engaging and communicating with other people
- reading and understanding written information
- making decisions about money
- planning a journey or following a route
- moving around
There are different rules if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the GOV. UK website.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks.
For each task they will look at:
- 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 is PIP paid?
PIP is usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It is directly deposited into your bank, building society or credit union account.
What is the PIP payment rate?
An assessment for work must be conducted to determine the level of financial assistance you will receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support.
PIP consists of two components:
Daily living.
Mobility.
Whether you receive one or both of these and how much you receive depends on the severity of your condition. The following amounts will be paid per week depending on your circumstances:.
Daily living.
Standard rate: £72.65.
Enhanced rate: £108.55.
Mobility.
Standard rate: £28.70.
Enhanced rate: £75.75.
How you are assessed?
An independent healthcare professional conducts the assessment to assist the DWP in determining the level of financial support, if any, you need for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are available, as well as video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments.
The DWP and the health professional decide which type of assessment is most suitable for each claimant. More information about DWP PIP assessments can be found here.
Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments unless the claimant prefers this. More information about the changes can be found here.
How do you make a claim for PIP?
To make a new claim, contact the DWP – all the information you need to apply can be found on the GOV. UK website here.
Before you call, you will need:
- your contact details.
- your date of birth.
- your National Insurance number – this can be 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 you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital.
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