The number of people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is at an all-time high with the latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showing there were more than 3.6 million claimants over the age of 16 in receipt of the disability benefit at the end of April. The latest data also includes some 80,000 existing claimants living in Scotland who will see their award transferred to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) over the next few months.
The devolved benefit is delivered by Social Security Scotland, and while it follows the same payment award rates and similar eligibility criteria as PIP, the information in this article should only be viewed as a guide – full details on ADP can be found here. Just over one in three cases (37%) received the highest level of both PIP components (daily living and mobility), of £737.20, which is paid every four weeks.
If you are thinking about making a claim for PIP – or ADP – an online ‘PIP test’ could help you make up your mind as it gives an indication of the number of points you would be awarded, which in turn, determines the level of award you might receive – standard or enhanced rate.
It’s important to be aware that the free online ‘PIP test’ provided by the independent benefits advisory forum, Benefits and Work, is not a guarantee that someone will be eligible for PIP or ADP.
An application to the DWP for PIP or Social Security Scotland for ADP also takes other eligibility factors into account including supporting evidence on how a disability, physical or mental illness, or long-term health condition affects you.
According to DWP guidance on GOV.UK, entitlement to PIP is not based on an individual’s health condition or disability alone, but on how much a long-term health condition or disability impacts an individual’s daily life or mobility.
This PIP self-test is completely anonymous and has questions plus the points awarded for each descriptor answer and will help you understand:
- Whether you would score enough points to receive PIP for each component (daily living and mobility)
- Whether you would qualify for the standard or enhanced rate of each component
If you submit your email on the self-test page you will also be sent a copy of your results which could help you accurately complete the ‘ How your disability affects you ‘ evidence form that you will receive from the DWP. Take the PIP self-test online here.
It’s slightly different for people in Scotland applying for ADP as this can be done online and the questions asked contain images and more detail per question to help people understand what is being asked. You can find out more about the ADP assessment questions on the CPAG (Child Poverty Action Group) website here.
A successful claim for PIP or ADP is currently worth between £28.70 and £184.30 each week in additional financial support and as the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £114.80 and £737.20 every payment period.
More than 540 health conditions are being supported by PIP or ADP, but the list is not definitive and contains an ‘unknown’ category.
Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP?
To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:
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have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
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expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months
You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition to what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP.
- preparing, cooking or eating food
- managing your medication
- washing, bathing or using the toilet
- dressing and undressing
- engaging and communicating with other people
- reading and understanding written information
- making decisions about money
- planning a journey or following a route
- moving around
There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here.
DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at:
- whether you can do it safely
- how long it takes you
- how often your condition affects this activity
- whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
How are PIP and ADP paid?
PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
PIP and ADP payment rates 2024/25
You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP is made up of two components:
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Daily living
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Mobility
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
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Standard rate: £72.65
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Enhanced rate: £108.55
Mobility
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Standard rate: £28.70
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Enhanced rate: £75.75
How you are assessed
You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP.
Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments – it’s important to be aware the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant – find out more about the changes here.
How do you make a claim for PIP?
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, you will need:
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your contact details
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your date of birth
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your National Insurance number – this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
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your bank or building society account number and sort code
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your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
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dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
How to apply for ADP
People can apply ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.