Online DWP PIP test could see claimants due £737

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that the number of individuals claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has reached a record high.

As of the end of April 2024, over 3.5 million claimants aged 16 and above receiving the disability benefit. If you're contemplating making a claim for PIP, an online 'PIP test' could assist you in making your decision.

It provides an estimate of the points you might be awarded, which subsequently determines the level of award you might receive - either standard or enhanced rate.

It's crucial to note that the free online 'PIP test', provided by the independent benefits advisory forum, Benefits and Work, does not guarantee eligibility for PIP, reports the Daily Record.

Applying for PIP through the DWP involves considering various eligibility factors. These include supporting evidence on how a disability, physical or mental illness, or long-term health condition affects you.

As per the DWP guidance on GOV.UK, entitlement to PIP is not solely based on an individual's health condition or disability. Instead, it's based on how much a long-term health condition or disability impacts an individual's daily life or mobility.

The PIP self-test, which is completely anonymous, includes questions and the points awarded for each descriptor answer. This will help you understand:

• Whether you would score enough points to receive PIP for each component (daily living and mobility)

• Whether you would qualify for the standard or enhanced rate of each component

If you submit your email on the self-test page, you will also receive a copy of your results. This could assist you in accurately completing the 'How your disability affects you' evidence form that you will receive from the DWP. You can take the PIP self-test online here.

A successful claim for PIP can provide between £28.70 and £184.30 each week in additional financial support. As the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £114.80 and £737.20 every payment period.

Over 540 health conditions are catered for by PIP, but the list is not exhaustive and includes an 'unknown' category.

Who could 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 3 months

• expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months

You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above 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, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here.

DWP will evaluate how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will examine:.

• 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 are generally paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be directly deposited into your bank, building society or credit union account.

PIP payment rates 2024/25

You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks.

PIP is made up of two components:

• Daily living

• Mobility

Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts 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

You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP.

Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.

How do you make a claim for PIP?

You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.

Before you call, you will need:

• your contact details

• your date of birth

• your National Insurance number - this is 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