DWP issuing free £750 to people on four benefits despite 'crackdown' on others
People on four Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits have been urged to check eligibility for an extra £750. The DWP is increasing the payment rate for disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance, from April.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance, and Carer's Allowance are set to be hiked. The rises mean claimants will receivebetween £116.80 and £749.80 per payment period.
The highest amount of £749.80 is based on someone receiving the maximum amount for both the daily living and mobility components. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have both a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability pr difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition.
READ MORE: Octopus Energy rolling out £0 bills to more UK households
READ MORE: British Gas, Octopus, Eon, EDF and OVO 'to pay customers with a tumble dryer'
READ MORE All the parts of England and Scotland facing snow AGAIN before end of January
You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits. Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.
It’s paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability or health condition. You could get £72.65 or £108.55 a week to help with personal support if both of the following apply: you have a physical disability, a mental disability, or a health condition and you’re State Pension age or older.
It does not cover mobility needs. With Carer's Allowance, you could get £81.90 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
You do not get paid extra if you care for more than one person. If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance. And Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax-free benefit for people with disabilities who need help with mobility or care costs.