Personal Independence Payment Increase 2024, Eligibility and How to claim?

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Personal Independence Payment Increase

In April 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions implemented a 6.7% increase in the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rates, aligning with inflation. The enhanced daily living component increased by £6.80, while the standard daily living component rose by £4.55.

Personal Independence Payment Increase 2024

In April 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rolled out a 6.7% hike in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rates, in line with inflation.

This rise affects various components of PIP, including the daily living and mobility parts. The enhanced daily living component increased by £6.80, while the standard daily living component rose by £4.55. 

Similarly, the enhanced mobility component saw a £4.75 increase, and the standard mobility component increased by £1.8.

Personal Independence Payment  Eligibility

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit in the UK that provides financial support to individuals aged 16 to State Pension age who have long-term disabilities or health conditions affecting their daily living or mobility. 

Core Requirements

  • Age: You must be 16 years old or over and under State Pension age. 
  • Residency: You must be living in England, Scotland, or Wales, and have usually lived there for at least two of the last three years.
  • Disability/Health Condition: You must have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that’s expected to last for at least 12 months from the time you make your claim (or longer if terminally ill).

Daily Living and Mobility Needs

  • Difficulties with Daily Living: You need help with everyday activities like preparing meals, washing and dressing, managing medication, or communicating verbally.
  • Difficulties with Mobility: You need assistance getting around indoors or outdoors, planning a journey, or using public transport.
  • Severity of Needs: The level of assistance you require determines the rate of benefit you receive. 
  • Income or Savings: PIP is not means-tested, so your income or savings do not affect your eligibility.

2024 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Increase

The 2024 PIP increase aims to address the rising cost of living for disabled people in the UK. 

Reasons for the Increase

  • Inflation: The primary reason for the increase is to align PIP rates with inflation. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for September 2023 reported an inflation rate of 6.7%. This figure is used to adjust various benefits, including PIP.

PIP payments consist of two components:

  • Daily Living: This component helps with everyday activities like dressing, preparing meals, and managing medication.
  • Mobility: This component helps with getting around, indoors and outdoors.

Each component has a standard and enhanced rate, determined by the level of assistance needed. Here’s how the increase affects each rate:

  • Enhanced Daily Living: Increased by £6.80 (from £101.75 to £108.55)
  • Standard Daily Living: Increased by £4.55 (from £68.10 to £72.65)
  • Enhanced Mobility: Increased by £4.75 (from £71.00 to £75.75)
  • Standard Mobility: Increased by £1.80 (from £26.90 to £28.70)

Impact of the 2024 PIP Increase on Recipients

The 2024 PIP increase of 6.7% aims to help disabled individuals cope with rising living costs. However, the impact varies depending on several factors:

  • Greatest Impact: Claimants receiving both Daily Living and Mobility components at the enhanced rate will see the most significant rise – an additional £11.55 per week.
  • Moderate Impact: Those receiving one component at enhanced and the other at standard will experience a moderate increase.
  • Smallest Impact: Claimants receiving both components at the standard rate will see the least increase – £6.35 per week.
  • The increase offers some financial buffer against inflation, allowing recipients to potentially maintain their current standard of living or make small adjustments to essential expenses.
  • Inflation Outpacing Increase: Depending on inflation’s trajectory, the increase may not fully offset the rising cost of living, particularly for necessities like food and energy.
  • Annual Adjustment: This is an annual increase, and future adjustments will depend on inflation rates.

How to claim Personal Independence Payment?

To claim personal Independence payment follow the below mentioned steps:

  • Access the PIP application form through GOV.UK.
  • You’ll need to create a Government Gateway account if you don’t have one already.
  • The form asks detailed questions about your daily living and mobility needs. 
  • Upload any relevant medical documents or evidence you have gathered.
  • Once complete, submit the application electronically.
  • You may be contacted for a face-to-face assessment, often involving a healthcare professional. The purpose is to assess your needs in more detail.
  • You’ll receive a written notification from the DWP regarding your claim decision.

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