Claiming Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment is a benefit for people of working age who need help with taking part in everyday life because of an illness or disability.
Someone may qualify for a Personal Independence Payment if they need assistance, prompting or supervision with activities of daily living. They may also qualify if their ability to move around is limited by their physical or mental condition. Rob Sherratt, Advice and Advocacy Specialist, Dementia Carers Count
What is a Personal Independence Payment?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has replaced Disability Living Allowance as the working age disability benefit.
Personal Independence Payments are not taxable and are not means-tested.
Personal Independence Payments are available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In Scotland there is a similar benefit called Adult Disability Payment.
Who qualifies for Personal Independence Payments?
Someone may qualify for a Personal Independent Payment if:
- they need assistance, prompting or supervision with activities of daily living
- their ability to carry out mobility activities is limited by their physical or mental condition
- they are between 16 and pension age
- they are not subject to immigration control and are habitually resident in GB and have been present for at least 104 weeks in the last 156 weeks.
When to consider an application for a Personal Independence Payment
The Personal Independence Payment assessment looks at the person’s ability to carry out ten activities of daily living which are:
- preparing food
- taking nutrition
- managing therapy or monitoring a health condition
- washing and bathing
- managing toilet needs or incontinence
- dressing and undressing
- communicating verbally
- reading and understanding signs, symbols and words
- engaging with other people face to face
- making budgeting decisions
The Personal Independence Payment assessment also looks at someone’s ability to carry out these two mobility activities:
- planning and following journeys
- moving around
The assessment allocates scores to these activities depending on the level of difficulty the person has with them. They might not actually be receiving help, but if they are struggling with activities, or not doing them, because they do not get the help they need, then they might qualify.
If you feel that the person you care for is having difficulty with some or all of the activities listed above, or is needing help from you to manage them, then it may be time to claim Personal Independence Payment.
You can contact our Carer Support Line to discuss this if you feel unsure about the next steps. Rob Sherratt, Advice and Advocacy Specialist, Dementia Carers Count
How to make a claim
Claims are usually started by ringing 0800 917 2222 when basic information such as National Insurance Number, date of birth and bank details is taken. The person will then be sent a “How your disability affects you” form, or you can choose to complete that form online.
It is important to be detailed and realistic when explaining how the person’s daily life is affected by their condition.
Without you, I wouldn’t have known what to do. Many thanks for what you have done for my wife and I. Dementia carer
Frequently Asked Questions about Personal Independence Payments
Yes. If you can show that the person has difficulty in doing activities of daily living, or getting out and about. For example, they may avoid doing the activity, or it may take them an unreasonably long time. This can be evidence of needing help.
Call our Carer Support Line for advice
Call our Carer Support Line with any questions you have about what financial support you may be entitled to and to ask for help with completing paperwork.
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What financial support can carers access?
Getting the right financial support is vital for carers. Very often the person affected by dementia will need to pay for additional care and support. For the carer, the additional caring responsibilities can mean having to reduce working hours or potentially stopping work altogether.
Benefits if you stop working to care
If you stop working to care, you may be eligible to claim benefits.
Know your rights
Understanding your rights as a carer can be complicated. We’re here to help.
