Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed to help people over the age of 16 and under State Pension age with the extra daily costs of living for more than 500 health issues or disabling conditions, which may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive, or any combination of these. The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now 3.5 million people claiming PIP, however, the record-breaking statistics do not include people in Scotland who have moved from PIP to Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
Some 218,859 Scots are still receiving PIP from the DWP and figures from Social Security Scotland show there are now 192,575 people receiving ADP. Many people are put off claiming PIP and ADP or other benefits for a number of reasons including stigma, believing they will not qualify and hearing horror stories about the application or assessment process. Put simply, if you have a health condition and need help with everyday tasks or have mobility issues - you could be missing out on up to £737 in extra support every month.
Below is a list of the most common PIP myths that may be stopping people making a claim and a quick guide to making an application for PIP or ADP. PIP and ADP can be claimed by people who are in or out of full or part-time work. You also do not need to have paid National Insurance contributions to qualify.
PIP and ADP are not means-tested or taxable and are not affected by income gained from employment. PI.