Are you eligible for Personal Independence Payment, what is the contact number and how do you apply for PIP?

THE personal independence payment (PIP) is available for those aged 16 and over with long-term ill health or a disability.

Here we explain exactly how it works, who is eligible, and how you can make a claim.

What is the personal independence payment (PIP)?

PIP is available to those who require extra help because of a health condition or disability and it’s available to those aged 16 or over and below state pension age.

It is made up of two parts, one for your needs for daily living and one for your needs for mobility – the amount of money available depends on how your health condition affects you.

PIP is replacing the disability living allowance (DLA) for those aged 16 to 64.

Those aged under 16, or those born on or before 8 April 1948 who already receive DLA will continue to get DLA but for everyone else they will need to claim for PIP instead.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will contact those receiving DLA to tell them when they need to start claiming for PIP instead.

Can you claim for PIP?

In order to make a claim for PIP you need to be aged 16 or over and not yet be receiving the state pension.

You also need to have a health condition or disability which has caused you to have difficulties with daily living for at least three months, and you must expect this to continue for at least nine months.

To claim you need to have lived in Great Britain for at least two of the past three years, and be living there or in another European Economic Area country when you apply.

In order to qualify for the daily living part of PIP you must need help more than half of the time with things such as:

• Preparing or eating food
• Washing, bathing and using the toilet
• Dressing and undressing
• Reading and communicating
• Managing your medicines or treatments
• Making decisions about money
• Engaging with other people

While for the mobility part of PIP, in order to receive it you’ll need to show you need help when leaving the house or moving around.

The assessment for PIP works in a similar way to DLA and it will be carried out by a healthcare professional.

How much PIP could you claim?

PIP is paid every four weeks into your bank account and the rate is calculated by an assessment. You may be able to get both the daily living and mobility payment or just one of them.

The daily living payment is either £57.30 or £85.60 per week and the mobility payment is either £22.65 or £59.75.

How to make a PIP claim

To make a new PIP claim you’ll need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 917 2222, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

You’ll need the following details to hand for the phone call:

• Contact details, for example telephone number
• Date of birth
• National insurance number – this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
• Bank or building society account number and sort code
• 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

If you want a form sent to you, you’ll need to write to the following address:

Personal Independence Payment New Claims,

Post Handling Site B

Wolverhampton

WV99 1AH

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