If you already receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a recent rule change could mean you’re owed over £5,000. This article explains what has changed, who might be affected, how the new rule impacts people needing care, and how you can find home care services nearby.
What Is the PIP Assessment Rule Change?
A recent rule change could mean that some people receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are owed thousands of pounds. PIP is a benefit for individuals below the State Pension age who need extra help due to a long-term disability, illness, or medical condition. Many PIP recipients rely on professional care, such as home care provided by trained carers.
PIP has two parts: daily living and mobility. The change affects how the daily living component is assessed, specifically the definition of ‘social support.’
It was found that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) made an error in deciding how many points people should get for the activity of ‘engaging with others face to face’ during their PIP assessments. Because of this mistake, some people didn’t get the points they deserved, leading to lower payments or disqualification.
Now, 284,000 PIP claimants are being encouraged to contact the DWP if they think this issue might apply to them.
So far, about 14,000 people have received back payments totaling £74 million, with an average payment of £5,285 per person. However, the actual amount varies based on which PIP components a person gets and how long they’ve been on PIP. These payments can go back as far as April 2016 for some cases.
Who Is Affected By the PIP Assessment Rule Change?
This rule change only affects the daily living part of PIP, not the mobility part.
You might be impacted if you were denied the daily living component before or if you were given the standard rate but might now qualify for the enhanced rate. For the 2024/2025 year, the standard rate is £72.65 per week, while the enhanced rate is £108.55 per week. The difference between the two is £35.90 weekly, £155.57 monthly, and £1,866.80 annually.
Disability Rights UK says this rule change could apply to people who:
- Regularly meet with a mental health professional because they can’t handle face-to-face situations without this support.
- Rely on help from friends or family with specific experience supporting them in social situations to manage face-to-face interactions.
The daily living component of PIP is for people who need regular help with tasks like personal care (e.g., bathing, dressing, and using the toilet), cooking, managing medication, or handling finances. Many people use PIP payments to cover the cost of professional home care for these needs.
Which PIP Claims Won’t Be Reviewed?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is not reviewing certain claims, including:
- Cases where the enhanced rate of the daily living component has been awarded continuously since April 6, 2016.
- Claims decided by a tribunal after April 6, 2016.
- Claims that were denied before April 6, 2016.
What the PIP Assessment Rule Update Means for People Requiring Care?
The PIP assessment rule change could make you eligible for the standard daily living rate or even the enhanced rate, which would increase your weekly payment.
You may qualify for PIP if you need help with tasks like:
- Preparing and cooking food
- Eating and drinking
- Managing medication or treatments
- Dressing and undressing
- Getting in and out of bed
- Bathing or showering
- Using the toilet
- Communicating with others
Many PIP recipients use these payments to get support through home care. You can apply for PIP if you’re under the State Pension age and have lived in England, Scotland, or Wales for at least two of the last three years.
If you live in a care home and pay for your care, you’re still eligible to claim PIP.
How To Dispute a PIP Decision?
If you’re not satisfied with the outcome of your PIP claim review, you can ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to look at their decision again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration, and it must be done before you can file an appeal.
You can find more details about how to challenge PIP decisions on the GOV.UK website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new PIP changes?
The new PIP changes address how points are awarded for the daily living component of the assessment. They aim to ensure fair treatment for people who need social support to handle face-to-face interactions. In the past, some claimants didn’t get the points they should have, which affected their payments or eligibility. This change ensures they now get the correct points, which could mean higher payments or backdated amounts.
Who is most likely to benefit from the rule change?
The rule change could help people who were previously denied the daily living component of PIP or those awarded the standard rate who may now qualify for the enhanced rate. This includes individuals who require social support to manage face-to-face interactions, such as regular help from a mental health professional or a family member.
Can I change my PIP assessment?
While you can’t change a completed assessment, you can request a mandatory reconsideration if you believe the decision was incorrect. The DWP will review your case, and if necessary, you can appeal further.
What not to say in a PIP assessment?
Avoid downplaying your condition or overstating your abilities. Be honest and clear about how your condition affects your daily life, focusing on the difficulties you face and the support you need.
What steps should you take if you think the rule change applies to you?
If you believe you may be affected, contact the DWP to review your claim. This could result in back payments or an upgrade from the standard to the enhanced rate. For more information about challenging PIP decisions, visit the GOV.UK website.
