The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made a major change by creating a new way people can submit a PIP claim.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is designed to help with extra living costs for those who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
A new online application process is being trialled in certain parts of the UK – and it has now rolled out to over 160 postcodes across England.
The DWP aim to expand this online application to all areas in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by 2024.
Applicants must check their postcode to see if they can claim online before they start their application.
They will also need their National Insurance number, email address and mobile phone.
In a recent written response, Tom Pursglove, the minister for disabled people, health and work, explained that the initial postcodes were “carefully selected” to ensure they are “representative of the wider population”.
The minister noted that the DWP would “robustly evaluate the impact of the service” as it was “vital that we develop an online claim service that works for all claimants”.
He said: “Limiting the number of claimants during the testing phase means we can test the functionality and stability of the new service, learning and making improvements before we gradually and carefully increase the number of people who can use it.”
The trial has now been rolled out to over 160 postcodes in England. The DWP has published the postcodes where the online service is currently running.
They have reassured applicants that the postcode checker will be “constantly updated”.
Currently, more than 3,000 claimants have applied fully online. Those who can’t apply for PIP online can start their claim by phone or by post.
There are a number of conditions that can qualify a person for PIP and the amount of PIP a person receives depends on the type of condition they have and how much the DWP thinks it impacts their ability to do things.
There are two main parts to PIP: the daily living element which helps with everyday tasks, and the mobility part for those who need help getting around.
Whether a person receives one or both parts and how much they get depends on how difficult they find everyday tasks and getting around.
Daily living tasks
- Standard rate – £68.10 a week
- Enhanced rate – £101.75 a week.
Mobility tasks
- Standard rate – £26.90 a week.
- Enhanced rate – £71 a week.
PIP is usually paid out to eligible individuals every four weeks.