Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people between 16 and State Pension age.
PIP helps towards some of the extra costs arising from having a long-term health condition or disability that is expected to last for 12 months or longer. Entitlement to PIP is based on the effect a long term health condition has on your daily life, not the condition itself. In the same way as DLA, people can receive PIP whether they are in or out of work. It is not means tested or taxed.
DLA will stay for children up to the age of 16, both for existing or new claimants. Existing claimants who were aged 65 or over on 20 June 2016 will continue to receive DLA, provided continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
For more information about PIP, visit the nidirect website
Am I eligible to receive PIP?
To qualify for PIP you must:
- be aged between 16 and State Pension age
- have a long-term health condition or disability and difficulties with activities related to daily living and/or mobility
- have had these difficulties for three months and expect them to last for at least another nine months. If you’re terminally ill, (not expected to live for more than six months), you don’t need to have had these difficulties for three months
- be in Northern Ireland when you claim – there are some exceptions, for example members and family members of the Armed Forces
- have been in Northern Ireland for at least two of the last three years
- be usually resident in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands
- not be subject to immigration control (unless you’re a sponsored immigrant)
How PIP is made up?
PIP is made up of two components (parts) – a ‘daily living component’ and a ‘mobility component’.
Each component has two rates; standard and enhanced. If you qualify for PIP, you will get money for one or both components.
How do I claim PIP?
For help with claiming PIP, contact our Welfare Advice Officers:
Telephone: 028 7130 4800
Office hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
There are four steps to claiming Personal Independence Payment.
- Contact the PIP Centre by phone or using sign language
- Explain how your disability affects you (by filling in a form)
- Your claim will be assessed by an independent health assessor (most often this will involve a face-to-face assessment)
- Decision (you’ll be informed by letter)
How much could I receive?
PIP rateWeekly rates 2019/2020
PIP Daily Living Enhanced Rate£89.15
PIP Daily Living Standard Rate£59.70
PIP Mobility Enhanced Rate£62.25
PIP Mobility Standard Rate£23.60