Universal Credit DWP PIP claimants with a disability could get £1,130 a month

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new figures revealing 7.0 million people across England, Scotland and Wales were receiving financial support through Universal Credit at the end of September. This income-related benefit is designed to assist people on low income with their daily living expenses, whether they are employed or not.

However, more could help could be on offer. Many individuals who claim Universal Credit or income-related Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and have a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition may not be aware that they could potentially receive additional funds to help with daily living or mobility costs through Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

PIP is a tax-free, non-means tested payment that does not impact the benefit cap. This means that a single claimant over 25 on Universal Credit or JSA making a new claim for either benefit could potentially receive up to £737.20 every four weeks independently of their other benefits.

When combined with a monthly Universal Credit payment of £393.45 (over-25 rate), this could provide up to £1,130.65 each month. It's crucial to note that this figure is based on someone receiving the higher rate of both components of PIP.

It's also important to understand that having a health condition does not automatically qualify someone for PIP. Rather, it's how the condition affects a person's daily living and/or mobility needs that matters, reports the Daily Record.

Unlike Universal Credit, PIP is claimed by individuals, not couples.

Daily living

Mobility

Psychiatric disorder

1,37,206 claimants (38%)

This includes mixed anxiety, stress, depressive and mood disorders, OCD and cognitive disorders

Musculoskeletal