People on PIP may be able to backdate other benefits to the start of their award
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed to help people over the age of 16 and under State Pension age with the extra daily costs of living for more than 530 health conditions or disabilities, which may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive, or any combination of these. New claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by Adult Disability Payment (ADP), however, the information in this article may also help people north of the border.
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that more than 3.6 million people across Great Britain, including almost 80,000 living in Scotland, were receiving PIP at the end of October 2024. Existing claimants will see their award transferred to the devolved system over the next few months.
READ MORE: People on PIP with 10-year award due new ‘light-touch’ review letter from the DWP
A successful claim for PIP or ADP is now worth between £26.90 and £101.75 each week to help with the additional costs of daily living and mobility needs.
However, an award for PIP may enable claimants to access means-tested benefits even if they have previously been told they are not eligible and according to guidance in the PIP Handbook, it may also be possible to backdate certain benefits to the start of their PIP award.
This is because entitlement to PIP provides a gateway or passport to other benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance, and schemes sponsored by other departments, such as the Blue Badge.
The guidance explains that for many benefits and schemes there are additional qualifying conditions, but for some, including the Blue Badge, there are alternative ways of accessing the benefit that do not rely on a particular rate or component of PIP.
A full guide to backdating other benefits for people on ADP can be found on the mygov.scot website here.
The guidance said : “For DWP benefits, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, we share information to enable claimants to automatically access other disability benefits and services.
“However, claimants should inform other benefit offices about their entitlement to make sure they’re paid the correct amounts, particularly if there are any changes in their circumstances and awards.”
DWP added that in most cases, claimants will need to use their PIP award letter as proof of entitlement. The guidance also states that carers may be able to claim Income Support (including for up to 26 weeks while the PIP claim is being assessed) and many carers may continue claiming Income Support after PIP is awarded.
DWP advises claimants to seek advice about other benefits they may also be entitled to.
Benefits which could be accessed with a PIP award
While you may not qualify for any of these benefits, it’s worthwhile checking to make sure you are not missing out on additional support.
Access to Work
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Credit
Child Tax Credit - new claims are now replaced by Universal Credit
Council Tax Reduction
Council Tax Discount
Employment and Support Allowance - only if you get the PIP daily living component
Housing Benefit
Income Support
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Pension Credit - only if you get the PIP or ADP daily living component
Universal Credit
Working Tax Credit - new claims replaced by Universal Credit
Where to find help
Anyone who has already claimed PIP or has a general query about their award and what else they may be entitled to claim should call the Disability Service Centre.
You can contact them for advice or information about a claim you’ve already made for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance.
Full contact details including phone numbers can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
A full guide to backdating other benefits for people on ADP can be found on the mygov.scot website here.
