Millions of Brits are believed to be entitled to a monthly payment for non-visible health conditions that they suffer from. These can include things like anxiety, depression, autism and diabetes and are part of a scheme by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help people who need the extra support.
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The payments are called Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and can be awarded even if you're working, have savings, or are on other benefits, as per BirminghamLive. This year has seen the highest uptake of the benefit since 2013, when it was introduced, with over 3 million Brits receiving it. However, it is still believed that there are many more who are eligible but aren’t aware of it.
Non-visible illnesses
The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) have created a list of the non-visible health conditions that are eligible for the payment, as per The Sun:
- Mental health conditions – for example, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, personality disorders
- Autism and Asperger syndrome
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Cognitive impairment, such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities
- 'Non-visible' physical health conditions, such as chronic pain, respiratory conditions, diabetes, incontinence
- Hearing loss
- Low or restricted vision
How much and how to claim
There are two different types of support available, with high and low rates for each one, as per The Sun.
Daily living component
- Standard rate - £61.85 a week (2022/2023). Equivalent to £247.40 a month or £3,216.20 a year.
- Enhanced rate - £92.40 a week (2022/2023). Equivalent to £369.60 a month or £4,804.80 a year.
Mobility component
- Standard rate - £24.45 a week (2022/2023). Equivalent to £97.80 a month or £1,271.40 a year.
- Enhanced rate - £64.50 a week (2022/2023). Equivalent to £258 a month or £3,354 a year.
You can claim these benefits if you are over 16 but under state pension age (currently 66) and your health condition prevents you from doing everyday tasks and you believe it will do so for the next 12 months.
The Personal Independence Payment new claims helpline can be reached for support Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm:
Telephone: 0800 917 2222
Textphone: 0800 917 7777
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 917 2222
Sources used:
- TheSun 'Seven hidden health conditions that can see you paid £627 a month – are you one of the millions of people eligible?'
- BirminghamLive '7 hidden health conditions that can qualify for £627 a month from DWP'
