If you have one or more of 20 health conditions, you could be eligible for nearly £700 per month from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It's believed that several million people with particular health conditions are missing out on benefits. Statistics from the DWP show that as of January 2023, there are 3.2 million people with disabilities claiming personal independence payments (PIP).
Those entitled receive the payment every month, which in April 2023 was increased by 10.1% due to inflation. If you are terminally ill, it is paid weekly. The rates for PIP are currently:
The benefit is given to those who have long-term illnesses, physical or mental health conditions, or learning disabilities.
Read more:
? Warning issued as hundreds of thousands could be missing out on £3500
? Millions missing out on £5000 from government, are you eligible?
The DWP organises over 500 conditions, disorders, and diseases into the following 20 broad categories, which are the main disabilities being claimed for:
Read more ? You may be eligible for over £150 per week if you have any of these 24 health conditions
Prior to receiving payment, claimants must be assessed by an independent healthcare professional who will find out which level of financial support they require from the DWP.
The DWP offers face-to-face consultations as well as video calls, phone calls, and paper-based assessments, according to Wales Online.
In the end, an individual's eligibility and how much money they receive is up to the healthcare professional and the DWP to decide.
To begin a claim, call the PIP new claims line during business hours. They will send a form for you to complete and return within one month and then you might be asked to attend an assessment.
Sources used:
Echo: '20 health conditions that qualify you for £700 from the DWP'
Wales Online: 'DWP explains the 20 health conditions that qualify you for nearly £700 a month in personal independence payments'