DWP urges people to claim these two benefits 'together' for free £1,130

Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants could boost their monthly income by £1,130 if eligible for help. The DWP has confirmed that millions on benefits who claim Universal Credit and PIP could benefit from the payments.

Pople who claim Universal Credit or income-related Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and have a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition may be unaware that they could potentially receive extra funds to assist with daily living or mobility costs through Personal Independence Payment.

When combined with a monthly Universal Credit payment of £393.45 (over-25 rate), this could provide up to £1,130.65 each month. The five most commonly recorded PIP health conditions include a psychiatric disorder, which affects 1,37,206 claimants (38%).

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This includes mixed anxiety, stress, depressive and mood disorders, OCD and cognitive disorders. The second was Musculoskeletal disease (general) with 682,391 claimants and this includes muscle or joint pain and arthritic conditions.

The third is neurological diseases at 468,113 claimants and this includes muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, headache, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy and other movement disorders. Musculoskeletal disease (regional) is fifth, affecting 426,038 claimants.

This includes neck, back, shoulders, elbow, wrists, hands, hip, knee and ankle pain. Respiratory disease affects 138,376 claimants and this includes asthma, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis, the DWP states.

If you're getting Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), it will continue to be paid along with your Universal Credit payment. PIP is gradually replacing the Disability Living Allowance. You get these benefits if your condition is severe enough for you to qualify for them.

After your assessment, the DWP will write to you with their decision. You won’t get any extra money while you’re waiting for the decision. In the meantime, your work coach should take your condition into account when they tell you what you need to do to look for or prepare for work.