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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that individuals suffering from specific mental health conditions can receive up to £737 a month through the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

By the end of January, over 1.3 million people across Britain were claiming PIP for psychiatric disorders, which include conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, stress reactions, and depressive disorders.

What is PIP?

PIP provides additional financial support for adults with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition who require assistance with daily tasks or mobility.

How Much is PIP?

A successful PIP claim can yield between £28.70 and £184.30 weekly. The benefit is paid every four weeks, translating to between £114.80 and £737.20 per payment period.

Eligibility for PIP

To be eligible for PIP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have a health condition or disability causing difficulties with daily living or mobility for at least three months.
• Expect these difficulties to persist for at least nine months.
• Typically, applicants must have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be present in the country when applying.

Individuals requiring assistance with any of the following due to their condition should consider applying for PIP:

• Preparing, cooking, or eating food.
• Managing medication.
• Washing, bathing, or using the toilet.
• Dressing and undressing.
• Engaging and communicating with others.
• Reading and understanding written information.
• Making decisions about money.
• Planning a journey or following a route.
• Moving around.

Different rules apply for terminally ill individuals, which can be found on the GOV.UK website.

How is PIP Paid?

PIP is typically paid every four weeks, but it is paid weekly for terminally ill individuals. Payments are made directly into the recipient’s bank, building society, or credit union account.

PIP Payment Rates

An assessment will determine the level of financial support received, and rates are regularly reviewed to ensure appropriate support is provided. PIP is divided into two components:

• Daily Living: Standard rate is £72.65 per week, and the enhanced rate is £108.55 per week.
• Mobility: Standard rate is £28.70 per week, and the enhanced rate is £75.75 per week.

How to Claim PIP

New claims can be made by contacting the DWP, with comprehensive information available on the GOV.UK website. Applicants will need:

• Contact details.
• Date of birth.
• National Insurance number.
• 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 spent abroad, in a care home, or hospital.

The number of people claiming PIP for psychiatric disorders has increased by more than 462,000 between February 2020 and January 2024.

Recommended Reading:

• DWP Warning to 230,000 Pensioners Who Could Be Owed £12,000
• DWP Universal Credit and PIP Warning as Payments Could Stop
• DWP Universal Credit £50 Fine Warning for Benefit Claimants

For more information and updates, visit GOV.UK.