What you need to know about PIP and PIP delays
Recent analysis from Citizens Advice has shown that almost £300 million is owed to people across the country after being held up by delays to PIP applications. Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are often a vital lifeline to those who receive them, but the average wait time is 5 months, and there are around 327,000 on the waiting list for an assessment.
What is PIP?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that is offered to those who need extra help because of an illness, disability or mental health condition. To be eligible, you must find it hard to do everyday tasks or get around because of a physical or mental condition. You must have found these things hard for 3 months and expect them to continue to be hard for another 9 months.
The payment is a lifeline for millions, and wait times are having a huge impact on people needing the support, especially as they try to make ends meet amidst the cost of living crisis.
How is this impacting residents?
More people come to Citizens Advice for help with PIP than any other issue, with national Citizens Advice research showing it is 41% more than the next highest issue.
Delays in assessments mean support is held up, and those in need of the support are having to go longer without, and face making difficult and impossible decisions. Support needs may also change during the waiting time, meaning some eligible may end up being entitled to more than they originally applied for.
PIP delays also cause knock on effects for other benefits and support, like blue badge renewals, and other benefits they’re entitled to.
Am I eligible for PIP?
If you struggle with day to day activities, PIP can make a huge difference. However, it is not based on the condition you have or medication you take, but the level of help you need because of how your condition affects you. You should consider applying if you get or need help with tasks such as moving around, preparing and cooking food, eating and drinking, and managing your treatments. You can find more detailed information about eligibility on the Citizens Advice website.
To apply, you need to contact the Department of Work and Pensions to fill in the initial claim form. It’s best to call them as they can complete it on the phone. You’ll then be sent another, more detailed, form to give details of how your condition affects your day-to-day life, before undertaking a medical assessment.
If you need help with a PIP claim, get in touch with us today - call us free on 0808 278 7800, or visit our ‘Get Advice’ page for more ways you can access advice.