Latest news with #PathwaystoWorkGreenPaper
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP to reform PIP payments next year – full list of those who will keep benefit
DWP to reform PIP payments next year – full list of those who will keep benefit The DWP has provided a new update on the forthcoming changes to PIP, which will provide crucial financial support to two groups of claimants The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has signalled key changes to the personal independence payment (PIP) arriving next year, promising vital monetary aid for two specific groups of recipients. Sir Stephen Timms, the UK Government minister for social security and disability, said the PIP adjustments were focusing on "those with the greatest needs, who are unable to complete activities at all, or who require more help from others to complete them". Yet he pointed out with concern that as a consequence of the qualifying rule alteration scheduled for next November – stipulating claimants must accumulate four points in at least one of the 10 daily living tasks to be eligible for PIP – "people with lower needs" will be stripped of either £295.60 or £441.60 in monthly support. The remarks from Sir Stephen came in a written reply to an enquiry by Labour MP Noah Law, who asked if the DWP would "make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing people who accumulate points across multiple personal independence payment activities, but do not score four points in any single activity, to retain their entitlement." For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here In response Sir Stephen said: "PIP is an important, non-means tested benefit for disabled people and people with health conditions – regardless of whether they are in or out of work. "However the rate of increases in claims and expenditure is not sustainable and has outstripped the growth in disability prevalence. Changes are needed that will control the spend on the welfare bill while continuing to support those people with higher needs relating to their long-term health condition or disability." He went on to say: "In our Pathways to Work Green Paper we announced that we will introduce a new eligibility requirement to ensure that only those who score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity will be eligible for the daily living component of PIP. This requirement will need to be met in addition to the existing PIP eligibility criteria. Article continues below "This will focus PIP more on those with the greatest needs, who are unable to complete activities at all, or who require more help from others to complete them. This means that people who have lower needs only in the daily living activities (scoring three or less for each activity) will no longer be eligible for the daily living component of PIP." Sir Stephen further added: "Our intention is that this change will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026 subject to parliamentary approval." The DWP estimates that proposed eligibility rule changes to the daily living component of PIP will result in 370,000 existing claimants losing their entitlement when their award is reviewed during the 2029-30 financial year. An impact assessment published in March 2025 predicts that 430,000 future PIP claimants will not qualify for the disability benefit once reforms are implemented resulting in an average annual loss of £4,500 each. The DWP has carried out an analysis of PIP claimants who did not score four points in at least one daily living activity across 18 of the most common disabling conditions. These conditions were selected as they represent the largest proportions of PIP caseloads. DWP analysis of current daily living awards According to the DWP's notes on the analysis the health condition category is based on the primary health condition recorded on the PIP computer system at the time of the latest assessment. While many claimants have multiple health conditions only the primary condition is available for analysis. The following list details PIP health conditions, the number of claimants receiving the PIP daily living component, and the number of claimants awarded fewer than four points in all daily living activities as of the end of January 2025. Back Pain - 194,000 claimants, 154,000 (79%) scored less than 4 points - 194,000 claimants, 154,000 (79%) scored less than 4 points Arthritis - 279,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points - 279,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points Other Regional Musculoskeletal Diseases - 136,000 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points - 136,000 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points Chronic Pain Syndromes - 173,00 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points - 173,00 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points Cardiovascular Diseases - 61,000 claimants, 38,000 (62%) scored less than 4 points - 61,000 claimants, 38,000 (62%) scored less than 4 points Respiratory Diseases - 83,000 claimants, 45,000 (55%) scored less than 4 points - 83,000 claimants, 45,000 (55%) scored less than 4 points Multiple Sclerosis and Neuropathic Diseases - 80,000 claimants, 38,000 (48%) scored less than 4 points - 80,000 claimants, 38,000 (48%) scored less than 4 points All Other Conditions - 272,000 claimants, 126,000 (46%) scored less than 4 points - 272,000 claimants, 126,000 (46%) scored less than 4 points Other Neurological Diseases - 97,000 claimants,35,000 (36%) scored less than 4 points - 97,000 claimants,35,000 (36%) scored less than 4 points Cerebrovascular Diseases - 56,000 claimants, 19,000 (34%) scored less than 4 points - 56,000 claimants, 19,000 (34%) scored less than 4 points Cancer - 70,000 claimants, 23,000 (33%) scored less than 4 points - 70,000 claimants, 23,000 (33%) scored less than 4 points Epilepsy - 36,000 claimants, 11,000 (30%) scored less than 4 points - 36,000 claimants, 11,000 (30%) scored less than 4 points Other Psychiatric Disorders - 90,000 claimants, 25,000 (28%) scored less than 4 points - 90,000 claimants, 25,000 (28%) scored less than 4 points Cerebral Palsy and Neurological Muscular Diseases - 47,000 claimants, 11,000 (24%) scored less than 4 points - 47,000 claimants, 11,000 (24%) scored less than 4 points Psychotic Disorders - 112,000 claimants, 26,000 (23%) scored less than 4 points - 112,000 claimants, 26,000 (23%) scored less than 4 points ADHD / ADD - 75,000 claimants, 14,000 (19%) scored less than 4 points - 75,000 claimants, 14,000 (19%) scored less than 4 points Autistic Spectrum Disorders - 206,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points - 206,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points Learning Disabilities - 188,000claimants, 7,000 (3%) scored less than 4 points Other disabling condition groups which cover smaller proportions of the PIP caseload are covered in the 'Other Conditions' category. This includes: Visual Diseases Other General Musculoskeletal Diseases Endocrine Diseases Hearing Disorders Gastrointestinal Diseases Genitourinary Diseases Skin Diseases Autoimmune Diseases (Connective Tissue Disorders) Infectious Diseases Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder or Biliary Tract Haematological Diseases Metabolic Diseases Multisystem and Extremes of Age Diseases of the Immune System Anxiety and Depression Anxiety disorders - Other / type not known Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Stress reaction disorders - Other / type not known Generalised anxiety disorder Phobia - Specific Phobia - Social Agoraphobia Panic disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Anxiety and depressive disorders - mixed Conversion disorder (hysteria) Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) Dissociative disorders - Other / type not known Somatoform disorders - Other / type not known Depressive disorder Bipolar affective disorder (Hypomania / Mania) Mood disorders - Other / type not known Daily living component for PIP You might get the daily living component of PIP if you need help with: 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 How difficulty with tasks is assessed The DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task the DWP 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 The descriptors The ability of the potential claimant to carry out each activity is measured compared to a list of standard statements describing what you can or cannot do and these are known as the descriptors. Health professionals will advise the DWP which descriptor applies to the claimant for each activity. The Citizens Advice website has a whole section dedicated to this along with a downloadable guide to all the points awarded for each response.. An example they use is there are six descriptors for "dressing and undressing" ranging from "can dress and undress unaided" to "cannot dress or undress at all". Each descriptor carries a points score ranging from zero to 12. Using aids or appliances Your ability to perform daily living exercises and mobility activities will be assessed as if you were using any aids or appliances that it would be reasonable for you to use. This applies whether or not you typically use those aids or appliances. However using or needing aids and appliances can make you score more points. According to Citizens Advice: "An aid is any item which improves, provides or replaces impaired physical or mental function. It doesn't have to be specially designed as a disability aid. Examples include a stool you need to sit on when cooking or a walking stick to help you stand." Daily living scores Citizens Advice outlines that to qualify for the daily living component of PIP individuals must have a physical or mental health condition that restricts their ability to perform certain activities. The maximum number of PIP points that can be awarded for each question is indicated. Daily living activity: Preparing food - 8 Taking medication - 10 Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition - 8 Washing and bathing - 8 Managing toilet needs or incontinence - 8 Dressing and undressing - 8 Communicating verbally - 12 Reading and understanding symbols and words - 8 Engaging with other people face to face - 8 Making budgeting decisions - 6 Points and payment rates After responding to all the daily living activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP After responding to all the mobility activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP According to the most recent DWP statistics, as of the end of January there were 3.7m PIP claimants across Great Britain. Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall has previously stated that more than 1,000 PIP claims are being granted daily, underscoring the need for welfare reforms to ensure future sustainability. Subject to parliamentary approval the proposed changes will take effect in November 2026. The reforms also propose an increase in face-to-face assessments. Currently most assessments are conducted remotely via phone, video call, or paper-based methods. However, there will be no freeze on PIP payments which will remain non-means-tested and will increase in line with the September inflation rate. There will be no alterations to the mobility component. You can participate in the UK Government's consultation on the proposed changes to PIP and the benefits system on here. The consultation period ends on June 30, 2025. Article continues below
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
DWP urges PIP claimants most likely to be hit by reforms to take action
DWP urges PIP claimants most likely to be hit by reforms to take action The UK Government is urging people likely to be affected by the changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Universal Credit to complete a consultation (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms emphasised the importance of disabled people shaping welfare reforms. It comes as the UK Government launches an official consultation on proposed changes to benefits systems like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit. Urging individuals and disability charities to contribute through the consultation process, Sir Stephen underscored the impact this could have to ensure their views help shape the proposed changes. The move accompanies the government's commitment to forming 'collaboration committees,' designed to foster dialogue and recommendations among groups related to specific work sectors. Revealed on March 18 by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the desired reforms aim to grant those with illnesses and disabilities equal chances in the workplace, intending to generate employment opportunities, enhance living standards, and fortify the economy within the government's Plan for Change framework. Efforts are additionally targeted at reforming what has been dubbed a 'broken benefits system', streamlining it to more effectively serve those in need, while facilitating job entry for those able to work and upholding fairness for taxpayers, reports the Daily Record. In his statement, Sir Stephen voiced stark criticism of the existing setup: "We inherited a broken welfare system, which incentivises ill-health, locks people out of work and isn't fit for a future in which so many of us will face long-term health conditions. "We want a system that genuinely works for disabled people and those with health conditions, as well as the country and the economy, and we want to hear their views and voices at the heart of the new system. Article continues below "I encourage people to engage so they can have their say as we listen, learn and deliver support which will help millions into work, put welfare spending on a more sustainable path, and unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change." For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here The consultation on reforms to health and disability support officially launched on April 7 on with publication of all accessible versions of the Pathways to Work Green Paper. The consultation is open until June 30, 2025. The proposed reforms aim to support people into work, protect people who can never work and put the welfare system on a sustainable footing so that it can continue to support those in need now and into the future. DWP said: "One in three of us faces a long-term health condition, so we all need a system that can support us to stay in work or get back into work." The measures are the latest step in the UK Government's drive to build a modern welfare system that helps people get jobs rather than creating unnecessary barriers, with ministers' proposed plans set to:. Provide more tailored employment support for those who can work, breaking down barriers to opportunity Simplify the system and reduce unnecessary assessments, cutting bureaucracy and making it easier to navigate Improve the way financial support is assessed and delivered, ensuring it reaches those who need it most and that people using the system have a better experience and are treated with dignity and respect Build a more flexible approach that recognises the diverse needs of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions DWP said that without changes, it is forecast that the system could cost as much as £70 billion a year by the end of the decade and risk not being there for people when they need it in future. Article continues below Issues open for consultation include: Supporting people to thrive with the new support offer Supporting employers and making work more accessible Reforming the structure of the health and disability benefits system The DWP stated: "These are part of the wider reforms that also include reintroducing reassessments for people on incapacity benefits who have the capability to work to ensure they have the right support and aren't indefinitely written off, targeting Personal Independence Payments for those with higher needs, and rebalancing payment levels in Universal Credit."
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
People on PIP most-likely to be affected by DWP reforms next year urged to complete consultation
The online consultation is available in accessible formats and open until June 30, 2025. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms recently said welfare reforms must be shaped by and for disabled people as the official consultation on the UK Government's proposals begins. Sir Stephen is urging those likely to be affected by the changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Universal Credit - either individually or through disability charities and organisations - to have their say through the consultation, ensuring their views help shape the proposed changes. It comes as the UK Government commits to the establishment of 'collaboration committees' to further develop the reforms, bringing together groups of people for specific work areas to provide discussion, challenge, and make recommendations. Announced on March 18, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the proposed reforms will ensure that sick and disabled people have the same opportunities to work as anyone else, and will unlock work, boost living standards, and help grow the economy as part of the UK Government's Plan for Change. They will also seek to overhaul the 'broken benefits system' so it supports those who need it, while helping those who can work into jobs and delivering fairness to the taxpayer. Sir Stephen said: 'We inherited a broken welfare system, which incentivises ill-health, locks people out of work and isn't fit for a future in which so many of us will face long-term health conditions. 'We want a system that genuinely works for disabled people and those with health conditions, as well as the country and the economy, and we want to hear their views and voices at the heart of the new system. 'I encourage people to engage so they can have their say as we listen, learn and deliver support which will help millions into work, put welfare spending on a more sustainable path, and unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change.' The consultation on reforms to health and disability support officially launched on April 7 on with publication of all accessible versions of the Pathways to Work Green Paper. The consultation is open until June 30, 2025. The proposed reforms aim to support people into work, protect people who can never work and put the welfare system on a sustainable footing so that it can continue to support those in need now and into the future. DWP said: 'One in three of us faces a long-term health condition, so we all need a system that can support us to stay in work or get back into work.' The measures are the latest step in the UK Government's drive to build a modern welfare system that helps people get jobs rather than creating unnecessary barriers, with ministers' proposed plans set to: Provide more tailored employment support for those who can work, breaking down barriers to opportunity Simplify the system and reduce unnecessary assessments, cutting bureaucracy and making it easier to navigate Improve the way financial support is assessed and delivered, ensuring it reaches those who need it most and that people using the system have a better experience and are treated with dignity and respect Build a more flexible approach that recognises the diverse needs of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions DWP said that without changes, it is forecast that the system could cost as much as £70 billion a year by the end of the decade and risk not being there for people when they need it in future. Issues open for consultation include: Supporting people to thrive with the new support offer Supporting employers and making work more accessible Reforming the structure of the health and disability benefits system DWP said: "These are part of the wider reforms that also include reintroducing reassessments for people on incapacity benefits who have the capability to work to ensure they have the right support and aren't indefinitely written off, targeting Personal Independence Payments for those with higher needs, and rebalancing payment levels in Universal Credit."
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
DWP shares huge update to PIP shake-up impacting 700,000 people
The Labour government announced in March that it was to overhaul the DWP benefit claimed by 3.7million people in a bid to cut down welfare spending. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will not affect 700,000 claimants. The Labour government announced in March that it was to overhaul the DWP benefit claimed by 3.7million people in a bid to cut down welfare spending. The shake-up is set to tighten the eligibility rules for PIP, and cut payments for those claiming the health element for Universal Credit. According to an analysis from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the overhaul plan for PIP would impact around 800,000 claimants. The confirmation came in a written response from the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, in April. Labour MP Paula Barker asked the DWP minister about the potential impact of proposed PIP reforms on state pension-aged claimants. In response, he said the changes would impact "new claims and reward reviews" from next year, and those who are of state pension age were not "routinely reviewed". Which means they will "not be affected by the proposed changes.' Sir Stephen said: 'Our intention is that the new eligibility requirement in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in which people must score a minimum of four points in one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component, will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. 'In keeping with existing policy, people of State Pension Age are not routinely fully reviewed and will not be affected by the proposed changes.' According to the latest figures from the benefits department, at the end of January 690,186 people aged between 65 and 79 were receiving PIP. However, he noted that the full impacts of the "Pathways to Work Green Paper" would be published in "due course". He added: "A further programme of analysis to support development of the proposals in the Green Paper will be developed and undertaken in the coming months.' In a separate written response to Poplar and Limehouse MP Apsana Begum, Sir Stephen also confirmed there will be no changes for people nearing the end of life applying for PIP through the fast-track service. He said: 'We recognise that people nearing the end of their life are some of the most vulnerable people in society and need fast-track and unqualified support at this difficult time. Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics For all you savvy savers and bargain hunters out there, there's a golden opportunity to stretch your pounds further. The Money Saving Club newsletter, a favourite among thousands who thrive on catching the best deals, is stepping up its game. Simply follow the link and select one or more of the following topics to get all the latest deals and advice on: Travel; Property; Pets, family and home; Personal finance; Shopping and discounts; Utilities. 'People who claim, or are in receipt of, PIP and are nearing the end of their life with 12 months or less to live, will continue to be able to access the enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP. 'We will also maintain the existing fast-track route under the Special Rules for End of Life and where claims are currently being cleared in two working days. This fast-track route will not be impacted by the new eligibility requirement for PIP.' PIP is the main disability benefit in the UK, and its aim is to help cover the extra costs of having a disability or medical condition. PIP is not an out of work benefit, and it can be claimed whether you are working or not, and have savings. To have a successful claim for PIP, you normally need to undertake a health assessment. This is used to determine what tasks you are struggling with and how your condition impacts your day-to-day life. This is completed using a points system. You currently need between eight and 11 points to get the standard daily living or mobility part of PIP across all the sections. You get the higher rate if you score 12 points or more. However, under changes, you will need a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living part of PIP from November 2026. This means that claimants will need to show greater difficulty when completing some tasks, such as washing, eating and getting dressed, to be eligible to claim PIP. The DWP has launched an online consultation on the new proposals. The consultation can be completed by anyone and is open until June 30, 2025 - you can find full details on here.
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
New DWP update for older people on PIP ahead of welfare reforms next year
Nearly 700,000 people of State Pension age are receiving PIP payments of up to £749.80 each month. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - information The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to introduce new changes to eligibility and assessments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from November 2026. The welfare reforms will impact new and existing claimants, however, Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, has said that people of State Pension age are not 'routinely fully reviewed and will not be affected by these changes'. However, that relates to existing PIP policy where people nearing State Pension age making a new claim for PIP, or existing claimants turning 66, are typically given a 'light-touch' review of 10 years. Conservative MP Alicia Kearns asked DWP whether 'existing Personal Independence Payment claimants of pension age with a planned award review from November 2026 will be required to score at least four points in one daily living activity in order to maintain their award'. In a written response last week, Sir Stephen explained how the 'Pathways to Work Green Paper' will introduce a new eligibility requirement to 'ensure that only those who score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity will be eligible for the daily living component of PIP' adding that this 'requirement will need to be met in addition to the existing PIP eligibility criteria'. He continued: 'In keeping with existing policy, people of State Pension age are not routinely fully reviewed and will not be affected by these changes. 'All claimants are required to notify the Department of any change to their circumstance, be that an improvement or deterioration in their needs. Upon notification of a change, a Case Manager will consider what further action might be required to ensure the claimant is receiving the correct level of support.' In a second written question from the MP for Rutland and Stamford, Ms Kearns asked whether PIP claimants of State Pension age 'who request a change of circumstances review from November 2026 will be required to score at least four points in one daily living activity'. Sir Stephen gave the same response to the first question. The latest figures from the DWP show there are now 3.7 million people across Great Britain claiming PIP. The data also indicates there are 690,186 people over State Pension age in receipt of the disability payment, boosting their monthly income to up to £1,670.80. During the 2025/26 financial year, thousands of people over State Pension age in Scotland, England and Wales will receive support of between £116.80 and £749.80 every four-week pay period. Pensioners on PIP The latest DWP figures show that across Scotland, England and Wales, the number of people over 65 on PIP includes: Aged 65 - 69: 416,230 Aged 70 - 74: 213,113 Aged 75 - 79: 60,846 Total: 690,186 Many people over 56 and nearing State Pension age may not be aware of a change to PIP guidance in 2019 that states 'claimants whose review would have taken place when they were of State Pension age means that they are now generally awarded ongoing awards'. Award types and review periods are set on an individual basis, based on the claimant's needs and the likelihood of those needs changing. It takes into account such matters as planned treatment/therapy or learning/adapting to manage a condition. PIP awards Guidance from DWP states: For fixed length awards, the review period usually ranges from a minimum of nine months to a maximum 10 years Review periods of less than nine months are set only in exceptional circumstances An award of two years or less is considered short-term Combined incomes The full, New State Pension is now worth £230.25 each week (£921 every 4-week pay period) and the Basic State Pension up to £176.45 (£705.80 every 4-week pay period) - how much you are paid depends on the amount of National Insurance contributions made. Although payments for State Pension, PIP and ADP are made separately, they could provide a combined monthly income of up to £1,670.80 - based on someone in receipt of the full, New State Pension and highest PIP or ADP awards for the daily living and mobility component. PIP and ADP payment rates 2025/26 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: 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 PIP, ADP and State Pension age When someone reaches State Pension age, they can no longer make a new claim for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or ADP. However, if someone is already receiving PIP, DLA, or ADP when they reach State Pension age, they will continue to receive the benefit until the award period ends where it will be reviewed following the normal process. People who reach State Pension age who are no longer claiming any of the working age disability benefits may also be able to reclaim it - as long as they are claiming for the same health conditions that they initially received the award for and the last claim ended less than 12 months before reaching State Pension age. For people over State Pension age with a health condition, long-term illness or disability they may be eligible for Attendance Allowance - this is worth either £73.90 or £110.40 every week from DWP. Find out more about claiming Attendance Allowance here. If you have not yet reached State Pension age but are living with a health condition, disability or long-term illness, you may qualify for PIP or ADP. Below is an overview of both benefits. Who is eligible for PIP or ADP? To be eligible 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 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. 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 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. Most assessments take place over the phone. 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 to make a new 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 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 Even if you don't qualify for financial support, you could be eligible for a National Entitlement Travel Card, which offers free or reduced travel across Scotland on most public transport links. For more information about PIP, visit here. How to apply for Adult Disability Payment 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.
