Personal Independence Payment & Disabled Facilities Grants in the UK: A Guide for Claimants

Living with a disability or chronic health condition in the UK can present financial challenges, but support options are available to ease the burden. Benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) are designed to help.

What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a financial benefit provided by the UK government to help individuals with long-term disabilities or health conditions. It's designed to support people who need help with daily activities or mobility due to their condition.

The Two Components of PIP

The payment is divided into two parts:

• Daily Living Support: For people who need help with everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, getting dressed, or taking medication.
• Mobility Support: For people who need assistance getting around; using public transport or other spaces.

Each part can be granted at either a standard or enhanced rate, based on how severely your condition affects you. As of [Insert current month and year], the standard rate is £[Insert current standard rate] per week and the enhanced rate is £[Insert current enhanced rate] per week. Please check the gov.uk website for the most current rates.

Who can get PIP?

To be eligible for PIP, you need to meet certain requirements:

• Age: You need to be between 16 and State Pension age.
• Disability: You should have a long-term physical or mental health condition that makes everyday tasks or getting around harder.
• Residency: You need to be living in the UK and have lived here for at least two of the last three years.
• Duration of Condition: Your condition should be expected to last for 12 months or longer.

Does my income or savings affect my eligibility for PIP?

PIPs are not based on your income or savings, so how much you earn won’t affect your eligibility. Instead, it’s determined by how your disability impacts your ability to live independently. More information on PIP eligibility and assessment from gov.uk can be found here.

How to Apply for PIP

The process of applying for PIP typically involves several steps:

• Check eligibility: Visit the gov.uk website to check your eligibility, or contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at 0800 917 2222 (Textphone 0800 917 7777). Please check the gov.uk website for the most current phone numbers.
• Claim Form: Start by filling out a claim form online, by phone, or by post. You'll provide details about your disability and how it affects daily life.
• Assessment: After submitting your form, you'll be invited to an assessment, either in person or by phone, with a healthcare professional to discuss your condition.
• Decision: The DWP will review your assessment and make a decision. If approved, you'll begin receiving PIP payments, usually every four weeks.

What to Do if You Disagree with Your PIP Decision

If your PIP claim doesn't go as expected or you disagree with the decision, you can challenge it.

• Mandatory Reconsideration: Ask the DWP to take another look at their decision by requesting a reconsideration. This allows you to share any additional information or evidence that could support your case.
• Appealing to a Tribunal: If the reconsideration doesn’t work out, you can take the next step and appeal to an independent tribunal. Ask for appeal form SSCS1 and send it to the Social Security & Child Support Tribunal together with any supporting evidence, especially from healthcare professionals. A panel will look at your case and make the final decision about your PIP.
• While the appeal process is ongoing, you'll continue to receive your PIP payments, as long as your initial claim was successful.

What is a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)?

A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can be used to make your home more accessible and comfortable. Some of the changes it can cover include:

• Widening doors or adding ramps to make it easier to use a wheelchair.
• Installing a stairlift or lift to help you move between floors.
• Adjusting bathrooms for better access, like adding a walk-in shower or a toilet designed for easier use.
• Providing special equipment such as a bed hoist or a kitchen that’s wheelchair-friendly.

The purpose of any adaptation is to allow you to stay in your own home longer and to make daily life more manageable.

Who Can Get a Disabled Facilities Grant?

To qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), you need to meet a few simple criteria:

• Disability: You should have a physical or mental condition that makes it harder for you to live independently at home.
• Need for Changes: The changes you’re asking for should be important for your health and well-being.
• Age: There’s no age limit, but if you're under 18, your parent or guardian will usually apply for you.

The amount you can get depends on your local council, but most homeowners can receive up to £30,000 in England. If you’re renting, you can still apply, but your landlord will need to agree to the changes.

How to Apply for a DFG

To apply for a DFG, follow these steps:

• Contact Your Local Council: Reach out to your council's social services or housing department to check if you qualify.
• Assessment: An occupational therapist will assess your needs and decide what adaptations are required.
• Approval: If approved, your council will arrange the necessary work.

The DFG process can take some time, so it's important to plan for potential waiting periods before work begins.

PIP and DFG: How They Can Work Together

PIP and DFG are two different types of support, but they can work well together to make life easier. PIP gives you regular financial help to cover extra costs of living with a disability, while the DFG helps pay for home improvements to make your daily life simpler.

FAQs

(Please see the previous answer for the FAQ section, and remember to update the links, and payment amounts. )

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered professional advice. Benefit rates and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Please consult with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Citizens Advice, or other relevant organisations for personalised advice. The author is providing this information based on prior care sector experience, and is not a trained benefits advisor.

Helpful Websites: Citizens Advice, Age UK, Turn2us, Carers UK, Sense, Mencap, Disability Rights UK, Marie Curie.

Author

Caroline Revell: In her previous career, Caroline worked in the care sector, including care homes for the elderly and as a live-in carer. Caroline is a mother of two grown-up children and currently works at Moneyfactscompare.