Asthma and cystic fibrosis are among the conditions that could qualify people for PIP
If you’re grappling with a respiratory condition that impacts your daily life, you might be eligible for the disability benefit known as Personal Independence Payment (PIP). PIP is granted to individuals who face challenges performing routine tasks due to an illness, disability or mental health issue.
As per the most recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), more than 3.6 million people are claiming this benefit. PIP is divided into two components, and claimants could qualify for one or both rates. The daily living rate currently stands at £72.65 per week for the lower level, and £108.55 per week for the higher rate.
Additionally, there’s the mobility component of PIP, valued at £28.70 per week for the lower level, and £75.75 per week for the higher level. If you’re awarded both components at the higher rates, you would receive £737.20 in PIP payments every four weeks.
The latest DWP statistics for PIP claimants as of October end, 2024, reveal that 138,534 individuals were claiming PIP due to respiratory problems, including asthma, upper respiratory tract diseases, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis. However, PIP isn’t awarded based solely on a specific list of conditions; eligibility hinges on how your illness affects your life, reports the Mirror.
Most applicants typically require an assessment to determine their eligibility for PIP, during which they’ll need to detail how their condition impacts their daily life.
If the DWP determines that you qualify for PIP, it’s typically granted for a specific duration – usually ranging from one to ten years – after which your claim will need to be reassessed. Your PIP award may vary if there’s an improvement in your health or if your condition deteriorates.
It’s the responsibility of the claimants to inform the DWP about any changes in their health. As per GOV.UK, the following changes need to be reported:
- You go into a hospital, a hospice, a nursing home or a care home
- Your husband, wife, civil partner or a parent you depend on starts or stops getting benefits from an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
- A medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live
- Your health professional tells you that your condition will last for a longer or shorter time than you reported before
- You plan to go abroad for more than four weeks
- You go into a residential school or college
- You go into foster care or into the care of a local authority or health and social care trust
- You’re imprisoned or held in detention
- Your immigration status changes and you’re not a British or Irish citizen
- You start or stop getting pensions or benefits from an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
- You need more or less help with daily living and mobility tasks