If you have additional needs due to a mental health condition, you may be eligible for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
According to the latest statistics for January 2023, more than 3.2 million people across the UK have claimed benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions. This includes 319,000 people living in Scotland who apply for the Alternative or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and can amount to £619 each month.
There are 1.2 million people applying for PIP for a “psychiatric disorder” and this represents 37% of all applicants. This is an umbrella term used by DWP as the main category of disabling condition recorded at the time of application, which also includes sub-categories and therefore specific health conditions.
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Hundreds of long-term health conditions are supported through PIP or ADP, but the list is not final and contains an “unknown” category. DWP statistics for PIP conditions point to an increase in the number of people requiring psychiatric disorders, reports the Daily Record.
It comes as new research from the Mental Health Foundation shows more than a million adults across Scotland have experienced levels of anxiety that prevent them from going about their daily lives. A survey conducted by Opinium on behalf of the charity showed 70% of adults had experienced some anxiety, while 58% said they had experienced anxiety that interfered with their daily lives in the last two weeks .
The research marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week 15-21 May, with the charity sounding the alarm about the impact of anxiety on adults. More than a quarter (27%) said they experienced anxiety and felt anxious enough to prevent them from doing what they wanted or needed most or all of the time in the past two weeks.
Working age people with a mental health condition may not be aware that they are eligible for financial support through PIP or ADP. Following the increase in annual benefits in April, a successful claim for PIP or ADP is worth between £26.90 and £172.75 each week in additional financial support and as benefits are paid every four weeks this amounts at £107.60 and £691.00 for each payment period.
You may be eligible for PIP or ADP, and you should consider making a claim to the DWP or Social Security Scotland, if you have daily living or mobility needs due to a mental health condition. While anxiety is very common, more than four in 10 adults (44%) kept their feelings a secret, suggesting that a significant number of people still aren’t comfortable talking about their experiences, despite progress in discussing more openly than mental health in recent years.
PIP and ADP: A Quick Guide
PIP is a lead that is gradually replacing DLA. If you need extra help due to an illness, disability or mental health condition, you may be eligible for PIP. You will be assessed by a health professional to determine the level of help you can get and your rate will be reviewed to ensure you are getting the right support.
People in Scotland reapplying for the PIP should instead apply for the ADP through Social Security Scotland, which follows similar eligibility guidelines to the PIP.
Who is eligible for PIP or ADP?
To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability in which:
You must usually have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when applying.
In addition to what we’ve outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider getting PIP or ADP.
- preparing, cooking or eating food
- manage your medications
- washing, bathing or using the toilet
- dress and undress
- engage and communicate with other people
- read and understand written information
- make decisions about money
- plan a trip or follow an itinerary
- move
There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find them on the GOV.UK website here.
DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find everyday life and mobility activities. For each activity they will examine:
- if you can do it safely
- how long does it take you
- how often your condition affects this activity
- if you need help doing this, either from a person or using extra equipment
How are PIP and ADP paid?
PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
PIP and ADP payment rates 2023/24
You will need an assessment to establish the level of financial aid you will receive and your rate will be reviewed regularly to ensure you are receiving the right support.
PIP consists of two components:
Whether you get either or both of these and how much depends on how badly your condition affects you.
The payment installments 2023/24 are:
Daily life
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Standard fare: £68.10
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Premium rate: £101.75
Mobility
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Standard fare: £26.90
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Premium rate: £71.00
How are you rated
You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, for PIP.
Face-to-face health benefit consultations are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper assessments – it is important to be aware that there is no choice here, it is up to the health professional and the DWP.
Payment for adult disability assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments unless preferred by the applicant.
How do I make a complaint about PIP?
You can reapply by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
Before calling, you will need:
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your contact details
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your date of birth
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your social security number – this is on your tax, pension and benefit letters
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your bank or construction company account number and sort code
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the name, address and telephone number of the doctor or healthcare professional
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dates and addresses for any time abroad, in a nursing home or hospital
For more information on PIP, visit GOV.UK here.
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