Latest news with #AdultDisabilityPayments
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Health
- Daily Record
New PIP assessment update for people making a claim for DWP disability benefit
More than 3.7 million people are now receiving PIP of up to £749 every four weeks from the DWP. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published a new online 'easy read' guide to help people making a claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) understand and prepare for an assessment in-person or over the phone. PIP assessments are carried out by health professionals - not the DWP - to gain an understanding of the additional support someone with a disability, long-term illness or health condition, needs to perform everyday tasks. The DWP guidance simplifies the process and what to expect, including the importance of attending the assessment, who you can bring with you and what happens afterwards. The latest figures from the DWP show there are now more than 3.7 million people across Great Britain claiming PIP. The number of working age people receiving the disability benefit is at an all-time high with reforms planned for next year. The Scottish Government confirmed last week that it will not be making any cuts to Adult Disability Payments (ADP), the devolved disability benefit that has replaced PIP north of the border. Recent statistics from Social Security Scotland show that at the end of April, some 476,295 people were receiving ADP. Assessments for ADP are conducted by Social Security Scotland, you can find out more about this on the Scottish Government website. You can read the full PIP guidance on Below is an overview of the PIP assessment process and tips to help you prepare for one in-person or over the phone. What is a PIP assessment? The PIP assessment is an opportunity for you to talk about how your condition affects you - it's not a diagnosis of your condition or a medical examination. The DWP will take into consideration evidence from the assessment to decide if you should be awarded PIP. A health professional will carry out your assessment, write a report and send it to the DWP decision maker. If you are waiting on a review, it's a good idea to have a copy of your PIP evidence form with you for telephone, video and face-to-face assessments. That way you can refer back to it, especially if it was completed a few years ago. Talking about how your condition affects you A helpful guide on the Citizens Advice website says you should be prepared to talk about how your condition affects you even if you've already detailed it on your PIP evidence form (the PIP2 document). This can be hard to do, but it will really help if you can talk about: the kind of things you have difficulty with, or can't do at all - for example, walking up steps without help or remembering to go to appointments how your condition affects you from day to day what a bad day is like for you - for example, 'On a bad day, I can't walk at all because my injured leg hurts so much' or 'On a bad day, I'm so depressed I can't concentrate on anything' Observations on what you say and do during the assessment The assessor will use the information you gave on your PIP claim form but also draw opinions from what you say and do on the day. For example, they might ask you how you got to the centre for a face-to-face assessment - if you say you came on the bus, without further clarification, they could make a note stating you can travel alone on public transport - unless you highlight otherwise. You might also be asked to carry out some physical tasks during the face-to-face assessment. Don't feel you have to do things you wouldn't normally be able to do. If you do them on assessment day, the assessor may think you can always do them, so if you're not comfortable with something - say so. During the telephone assessment you may be asked to describe how you complete simple tasks such as preparing and cooking food, getting washed and dressed and how you move around outside the home. Don't rush to respond, remember they are looking at your claim form and asking the same questions you have already answered. Pause, reflect and reply Break your answer down and take them through how you complete tasks step-by-step to paint an accurate picture of how your disability or health condition affects you. What may seem like a drawn out process for you, will demonstrate exactly how you accomplish tasks to the assessor - so don't try to speed up or simplify how you get things done. The assessor will also make a note of your mental state during the assessment - for example, they will record whether you look or sound depressed or happy, tense or relaxed and how you cope with social interaction. Things to remember during the assessment Don't let the assessor rush you and try not to just answer 'yes' or 'no' to their questions Always try to explain how doing something would make you feel afterwards and the impact it can have on you if you had to do it repeatedly in a short period of time You can have someone with you while you do the assessment over the phone, on the video call or in person, just remember to put the call on loudspeaker and advise the assessor who is with you. Taking someone with you to a face-to-face assessment for support The DWP has guidance on attending an assessment, which you can find on the website here. You can take someone with you into the actual assessment if they are 16 or over. This could be anyone who makes you feel more comfortable, like a friend, relative or carer. If you want, they can take part in discussions and make notes for you. Before going to a face-to-face assessment Check with your assessment provider that your assessment centre has everything you need - if it doesn't, you can ask for it. This can help make you feel more comfortable on the day. Here are a few examples: ask if you will have to go upstairs, and if there's a lift that can accommodate a wheelchair if you need one ask how roomy the centre is if you get anxious in enclosed spaces - if the rooms or corridors are small, tell them this could make you anxious and see what they can offer you ask for an interpreter or signer if you need one - do this at least two working days before your assessment so they have time to organise it ask for the person carrying out the assessment to be the same gender as you, if that's important to you ask if you can make an audio recording of the assessment - you must do this three days before your assessment and ask your provider about the rules for using recording equipment
Daily Mirror
25-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
How long PIP payments last and people likely to receive just a 'light touch' review
More than 3.7 million people are claiming PIP in Great Britain and there are six types of claimants who are more likely to have had a disability benefit award for five years or more The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that over 3.7 million people across Great Britain are now claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP), marking a record high in disability benefits for working-age individuals, with reforms set to take place next year. Social Security Scotland's recent data indicates that as of the end of April, approximately 476,295 individuals were receiving Adult Disability Payments (ADP), the devolved benefit that has superseded all new claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland. However, those applying for PIP or ADP may not realise that the duration of a successful award can vary. The shortest award lasts nine months, while the longest is an ongoing award with a 'light touch' review every 10 years. Over 65% of individuals claiming PIP for a visual disease have been granted an award for five years or more. While more than half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have received a longer award, along with 49.5% of individuals with a neurological condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. For those considering making a new claim for PIP, or Adult Disability Payment, it's crucial to understand that award lengths vary and can last between nine months and up to 10 years, however, DWP data only records awards given up to 'five years or longer'. The latest version of the PIP Handbook explains that the decision maker will award PIP based on how the claimant's health condition or disability affects their daily life and their ability to live independently. It further states: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances." It's crucial to note that the DWP guidance also indicates most claimants will have their award regularly reviewed, "regardless of the length of the award" to ensure "everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support". Some claimants will receive a limited term award for a fixed period of up to two years - the DWP says these awards will not be reviewed, reports the Daily Record. Limited awards with no review date are given where the claimant's health condition may be reasonably expected to improve. Ongoing awards with a 'light touch' review A 'light touch' review is typically awarded to claimants who have: very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time. high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse. a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age. a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age. The DWP guidance states: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review." The annual increase of 1.7% will see people on disability benefits receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week during the 2025/26 financial year - some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Over the next year, this will see people on the highest awards receive an extra £9,747 in cash assistance. It's crucial to understand that the maximum sum of £749.80 is based on an individual receiving the highest award for both daily living and mobility components. Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer It's vital to note that individuals with varying health conditions can be granted PIP for up to five years or more. The award is determined by how the condition impacts the claimant. The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of April 2025. Visual disease 58,539 38,112 Musculoskeletal disease (general) 697,476 365,238 52% Neurological disease 472,121 252,214 Respiratory disease 137,957 66,647 Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) 19,921 9,310 Musculoskeletal disease (regional) 440,684 202.317 46% Total number of PIP claimants 3,744,671 1,631,688 44% Below is a summary of PIP and ADP. Although new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Comprehensive guidance on ADP can be found on the website here. Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP? To qualify for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months. 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 the above, if you require assistance due to your condition with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. eating, drinking or preparing food washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence dressing and undressing talking, listening, reading and understanding managing your medicines or treatments making decisions about money mixing with other people working out a route and following it physically moving around leaving your home Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the website. The DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will examine each task in detail: 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 typically paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. Payments will be directly deposited into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. PIP and ADP payment rates 2025/26 An assessment will determine the level of financial aid you will receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP consists of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you receive one or both of these and the amount depends on the severity of your condition's impact on you. Depending on your circumstances, you will be paid the following amounts per week: Daily living Standard: £73.90 Enhanced: £110.40 Mobility Standard: £29.20 Enhanced: £77.05 How you are assessed An independent healthcare professional will assess you 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 available, along with video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's crucial to note that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is most suitable for each claimant. Adult Disability Payment assessments will not require face-to-face assessments, unless this is the claimant's preference. Wondering how to make a claim for PIP? You can initiate a new claim by getting in touch with the DWP, all the necessary information you need to apply can be found on the website here. Before you ring up, ensure you have: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this can be found on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code the name, address and telephone number of your doctor or health worker dates and addresses for any periods you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital How to apply for ADP Individuals can apply for ADP over the phone, by post or in-person. To learn more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on here or ring Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
Daily Record
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Labour contingent urged by Lanarkshire MSP not to back 'shameful' disability cuts
The SNP's Clare Adamson says they are 'playing games with people's lives' Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson is calling on Scotland's Labour MPs to stand up to Keir Starmer over "shameful" cuts to disability payments. The SNP MSP blasted the UK Government saying they are 'playing games with people's lives' ahead of a crunch vote on Labour plans to cut critical disability support. A vote on Labour's welfare Bill is due to come before Westminster on Tuesday and there is significant opposition to Labour's cuts. Ms Adamson has emphasised warnings that the Labour deal amounts to £3 billion in cuts and the creation of a two-tiered system. Labour's planned cuts will hit future claimants of PIP and the health element of Universal Credit, which the MSP says will 'punish' young and newly sick and disabled people. Disability Rights UK warned the newly proposed cuts to disability and sickness benefits will create 'a two-tiered' system. Speaking on Times Radio on Friday, Mikey Erhardt warned: 'The idea that you will be less in need, or less deserving of support depending on when the condition that necessitates that support, is something you just have to reject out and out'. The Scottish Government has confirmed it will not follow Labour's two-tiered system and it will protect Adult Disability Payments in Scotland. But Ms Adamson pointed out that any UK cuts will affect spending available in Scotland. She highlighted that Labour MPs in Scotland have failed to indicate if they back the Bill. Anas Sarwar has consistently backed Keir Starmer's disability cuts, but has yet to indicate how he will instruct Scottish Labour MPs to vote. Pamela Nash, Labour MP for Motherwell, Wishaw, and Carluke previously criticised cuts to disability welfare proposed under the Conservative government – arguing that such a move would disproportionately disabled people in her community. She has yet to speak out against Labour's cuts to disability welfare which will drive thousands into poverty, according to the UK Government's own figures. Ms Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, said: 'None of this sorry saga is about protecting or supporting sick and disabled people. Labour announced billions in welfare cuts, saving money on the backs of people who can't afford it. 'And now, at the 11th hour, after months of pressure from anti-poverty charities and disability groups, Keir Starmer has rushed through a deal to save himself. 'From the start, these proposals were not properly consulted upon. Labour needs to go back to the drawing board; disabled people affected by these cuts have been completely dismissed. 'Labour plans will create a discriminatory two-tier system which treats people with exactly the same condition in different ways - depending on when they became ill or disabled. 'That is senseless, unfair, and possibly unlawful. If the cuts are pushed through tomorrow, you had better not become sick or disabled in future because Labour has made it clear they won't support you. 'For the Labour MPs who found some principle and joined the chorus of backlash against these cuts, I'd urge you to hold firm. This hasty deal will drive poverty, deny opportunity, and deepen inequality for sick and disabled people. 'For Scottish Labour politicians who vowed to stand up to Keir Starmer, your silence is a rank betrayal of the people you're supposed to represent. Labour is rushing legislation through with backdoor deals – while disabled people are fearful for their future. "MPs must oppose these shameful cuts tomorrow because it is the right thing to do.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
People making a new claim for Adult Disability Payment most-likely to get ‘indefinite' award
Most Adult Disability Payment awards are issued by Social Security Scotland for between two and 10 years. The latest statistics from Social Security Scotland show that at the end of January, some 433,055 people were receiving Adult Disability Payments (ADP), the devolved benefit that has now replaced all new claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) north of the border. Of that overall figure, 145,090 (34%) were new applicants and 287,960 (66%) had their award transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The data also shows that the average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 42 working days, just over eight weeks. This means people making a new claim in May could have an award decision before the end of July, although it's important to be aware that some applications can take shorter or longer to process. The Scottish Government estimates that ADP will support 612,000 people by 2028/29, providing financial support of almost £4.5 billion. When a person is awarded ADP, Social Security Scotland will set a review date, this is to ensure the financial support meets the needs of the claimant. Awards can be issued for anywhere between 24 months and 10 years, however, some people may be given an 'indefinite award' with no review date. Social Security Scotland reviews take place at a time when a person's needs are likely to have changed, to ensure that their payment continues to be at the right level. It's important to be aware that payments will continue while a review is taking place and they do not need to re-apply during the process. Adult Disability Payment Indefinite Awards You may be given an indefinite award with no review date for ADP if: Your needs are highly unlikely to change You are awarded the enhanced rate of both the daily living and mobility components of ADP Guidance on states: 'This means your award will not be reviewed in the future unless you tell us that something has changed.' The Scottish Government says that this meets the principles of 'dignity, fairness and respect'. PIP award review periods PIP awards can vary in length. The shortest award is nine months while the longest is an ongoing award with a 'light touch' review at 10 years. Most people will have their award regularly reviewed by the DWP, regardless of the length of the award, to ensure the level of financial support reflects their needs. This also usually means completing another health questionnaire and taking part in another assessment, or the person's entitlement will end. Some people will have a limited-term award for a fixed period of up to two years. The person must re-apply before the end of the two-year period, or their entitlement will end. Limited awards for a fixed period like this will be used if a DWP case manager thinks the person's health condition is expected to improve. Who might be eligible for ADP or PIP? To be eligible for ADP or PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months 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 website here for PIP and here for ADP. 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 ADP and PIP paid? ADP and PIP 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. ADP and PIP payment rates You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive for PIP and your rate will be regularly reviewed by the DWP to make sure you are getting the right support. ADP and PIP are made up of two components: Daily living 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 Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 How you are assessed You will be assessed for PIP 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 consultations will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant and will be conducted by in-house Social Security Scotland staff - find out more about the changes here. How to apply for PIP You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the website here. Before you call, you will need: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number 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 here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
People making a new claim for Adult Disability Payment could get award decision by mid-July
New claims for the devolved disability benefit are currently taking an average of 42 working days from point of application to award decision to process. How to apply for a Blue Badge The latest statistics from Social Security Scotland show that at the end of January, some 433,055 people were receiving Adult Disability Payments (ADP), the devolved benefit that has now replaced all new claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) north of the border. Of that overall figure, 145,090 (34%) were new applicants and 287,960 (66%) had their award transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The data also shows that the average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 42 working days, just over eight weeks. This means people making a new claim this month could have an award decision before the end of July - it's important to be aware that some applications can take shorter or longer to process. The Scottish Government estimates that ADP will support 612,000 people by 2028/29, providing financial support of almost £4.5 billion. Many people thinking about making a new claim may not be aware that similar to PIP, the non-means-tested benefit can provide additional financial support to people with a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health condition. Hundreds of health conditions are supported by both disability benefits. There are two parts to the ADP application process and that if you complete part two (the condition questionnaire) within eight weeks of the date you submitted part one (personal details, GP details, etc) and your claim is successful, payments will be backdated to the date part one was submitted. Adult Disability Payment conditions and claimant numbers The total number of ADP claimants at the end of January, 2025 was 433,055. Mental and Behavioural Disorders - 142,480 Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue - 91,275 Diseases of the Nervous System - 28,215 Diseases of the Circulatory System - 21,540 Diseases of the Respiratory System - 18,470 Neoplasms - 14,260 Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified - 10,955 Endocrine, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases - 7,730 Injury, Poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes - 6,540 Diseases of the Digestive System - 6,460 Congenital Malformations, Deformations and Chromosomal Abnormalities - 5,125 Diseases of the Eye and Adnexa - 4,755 Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process - 3,370 Diseases of the Genitourinary System - 3,030 Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue - 2,900 Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services - 1,975 Unknown - 1,565 Diseases of the Blood and Blood-forming organs and certain disorders involving the immune mechanism - 1,200 Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases - 1,095 Certain Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period - 5 Award entitlement start date It's important to be aware that ADP is paid four weeks in arrears and that failing to submit the claim within the eight-week period may result in a different date of entitlement. Guidance from Social Security Scotland explains: 'An individual can begin an application either by phone or online. This is Part 1 of the application process. 'Once they have started, the individual has 8 weeks to return the completed Part 2 of the application in order to ensure their entitlement to Adult Disability Payment begins on the date they completed Part 1. 'If an application is submitted after the 8 week period, the date of their entitlement may be later, depending on whether they have good reason for having submitted it late e.g. they have been in hospital.' A successful new claim for the devolved payment is worth the same amount as its DWP counterpart, Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This means people over the age of 16 with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition could receive between £29.20and £187.45 each week - paid every four weeks. ADP and PIP weekly payment rates 2025/26 Daily Living Component Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility Component Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 Scotland's welfare system is encouraging people to check for supporting information to include with their claim, which can help speed up the decision-making process. Social Security Scotland said: 'We need supporting information to help make the right decisions as quickly as we can on disability benefit applications. While we can source this information for clients, our research has found some people may have supporting information to hand but do not realise it. 'This might be because they don't know what is useful to us or that supporting information can come from a range of professionals.' It added, as an example, that if someone regularly sees a counsellor, physical therapist or support worker, they could be a better source of supporting information than a GP they may not have contacted for some time. Examples of supporting information include: care plans prescription lists a child's additional support needs plan letters from a local authority outlining housing adaptations letters or a report from HR explaining workplace adjustments letters from teachers explaining what support the child needs at school referral letters to specialists (e.g. CAMHS) Part two of the ADP application form asks about: your condition and how it affects your ability to look after yourself, understand information, and communicate with other people what help and support you need and why how you move around outdoors any medication, treatment or equipment you need Official guidance on explains other information which could help support your answers in part two includes: information about your condition or your symptoms, if you're still waiting for a diagnosis information about any medical tests you have had, and the results if you have them contact details for your GP contact details for anyone else who could give more information about your condition, such as a family member or someone who looks after you More help about completing an application for Adult Disability Payment can be found on the Disability Rights UK website - a guide covering the whole application process can be downloaded for free here. How to upload supporting documents online For help submitting supporting documents online you can contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. There is also an upload page on here with all the details and document formats you need to know. The Scottish Government also announced earlier this year that third sector organisations are to be paid a fee for helping provide supporting information for people applying for Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment. The £33.50 fee will be paid when they are asked by Social Security Scotland to complete a supporting information request form. People who are applying for disability benefits who find it difficult or face barriers gathering supporting information themselves will be able to name organisations to provide this for them. These can include third sector organisations that are helping them in their day-to-day lives, such as those offering social care or support during an illness. Collecting supporting information on behalf of people is one of the key differences in how people are encouraged and supported to apply for Scottish Government disability benefits. Supporting information request forms are completed to help understand how a person's health condition or disability affects their lives and what support they need. As well as information from health and social care professions, information could also come from charities and third sector organisations who support disabled people. The process of requesting and giving equal consideration to supporting information from third sector organisations is not offered by the DWP in England and Wales to people applying for disability benefits including PIP, Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance. Social Security Scotland said this is another example of how it is doing things differently to better support people applying for benefits. To get help completing an application form, you may also be able to use a free advocacy service - find out more here.
