Millions of people receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) across England and Wales could be entitled to a significant boost in financial support, according to the latest guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
New figures show that over 3.9 million individuals were claiming PIP as of the end of October. The benefit itself provides between £29.20 and £187.45 per week to assist with the extra costs of long-term health conditions or disabilities.
A Passport to Further Support
What many claimants may not realise is that a successful PIP award can act as a gateway to a range of other benefits and schemes, even for those previously turned down. This is because entitlement to PIP can serve as a 'passport' or qualifying criterion for additional help.
Official guidance on GOV.UK explains that it may even be possible to backdate some of these extra benefits to the start date of the PIP claim. The DWP shares information between its own services to help people automatically access support, but claimants are urged to proactively inform all relevant offices to ensure they receive everything they are owed.
Key Benefits Linked to a PIP Award
The list of potential additional support is extensive. While eligibility depends on individual circumstances, being in receipt of PIP opens doors to:
- Carer’s Allowance (England and Wales) or Carer Support Payment (Scotland)
- Council Tax Reduction
- Housing Benefit
- Blue Badge scheme (for parking, typically with the enhanced mobility rate)
- Income Support, including during the 26-week PIP application process
- Employment and Support Allowance (with the daily living component)
- Universal Credit and Pension Credit
Carers, in particular, should note they might qualify for Income Support while a PIP application is being processed and could continue to receive it afterwards.
Claimants Must Take Action
The DWP stresses that in most cases, individuals will need to provide their PIP award letter as proof of entitlement when applying for these linked benefits. It is crucial to report any change in circumstances to all benefit offices to guarantee correct payments.
The department strongly recommends that anyone already claiming PIP, or with a general query about their award, seeks further guidance to ensure they are not missing out. The best point of contact is the Disability Service Centre.
You can reach them for advice on existing claims for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance. Full contact details, including phone numbers, are available on the official GOV.UK website.
