DWP gives PIP update as Universal Credit to replace six benefits

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is awarded to people who may need extra help due to an illness, disability or mental health condition - and it is staying as it is

Over two million individuals are poised to transition from their current benefits to Universal Credit, in a significant overhaul by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This change will see Universal Credit take the place of six existing benefits.

The Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is claimed by nearly 3.4 million people in the UK due to illnesses, disabilities, or mental health conditions, can provide up to £737.20 every four weeks, depending on the impact of the condition on daily activities. However, the DWP has clarified that PIP will not be included in the switch to Universal Credit, reports Birmingham Live..

Universal Credit will replace these benefits:.

- Working Tax Credit

- Child Tax Credit.

- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA).

- Income Support.

- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

- Housing Benefit.

According to the GOV. UK website, "Other benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), will stay the same."

This indicates that PIP claimants will not have their benefits phased out nor will they be transferred to Universal Credit, as reported by Mirror.

The transition of benefits is part of the "managed migration" strategy, which is being implemented in phases. The DWP aims to have reached out to all affected parties by December 2025.

So, what is the value of PIP?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is typically paid every four weeks, but can be paid weekly for those who are terminally ill. It consists of two parts - a daily living rate and a mobility rate.

Depending on how your condition affects your life, you may be entitled to one or both of these rates. The daily living rate is £72.65 at the lower rate and £108.55 at the higher rate.

The mobility rate is £28.70 at the lower rate and £75.75 at the higher rate.

Eligibility for PIP is determined by an assessment carried out by a health professional, which evaluates how your condition impacts your daily life. You may be entitled to the daily living part of PIP if you need help with tasks such as eating, drinking, preparing food, washing, bathing, using the toilet, dressing, undressing, reading, communicating, managing your medicines or treatments, making decisions about money, and socialising.

The mobility part of PIP may be granted if you need assistance with working out a route and following it, physically moving around, or leaving your home. To claim PIP, you must be aged 16 or over.

If you're already receiving PIP when you reach State Pension age, your claim will usually continue. However, most people cannot make a new PIP claim once they reach State Pension age, unless they were eligible for PIP in the last 12 months.

PIP claims typically last for a specific period before they are reviewed - this is usually between one year to 10 years. If you are terminally ill, you can apply for PIP under special rules which means the DWP will expedite your application and you can receive your first payment within two weeks.