{"id":67626,"date":"2023-09-28T09:08:47","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T09:08:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rapidcelnews.com\/?p=67626"},"modified":"2023-09-28T09:08:47","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T09:08:47","slug":"im-a-benefits-expert-five-things-dwp-wont-tell-you-when-claiming-pip-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rapidcelnews.com\/lifestyle\/im-a-benefits-expert-five-things-dwp-wont-tell-you-when-claiming-pip-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"I'm a benefits expert – five things DWP won't tell you when claiming PIP | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"

THOUSANDS of households are eligible for a key disability benefit but aren't claiming it.<\/p>\n

Personal Independence Payments\u00a0(PIP) are given to those with long-term mental or physical health problems or\u00a0disabilities.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nearly three million claimants are entitled to PIP in England and\u00a0Wales.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0payments\u00a0can be worth as much as \u00a3172.75 a week, so if you don't claim it already, it could be a good idea to check if you're eligible.<\/p>\n

PIP is available to those aged 16 or over who have not yet reached the\u00a0state pension\u00a0age.<\/p>\n

You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, including Universal Credit.<\/p>\n

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However, the application process can be extremely daunting, especially for those with serious health conditions.<\/p>\n

We spoke to Tom Farquhar, benefits information specialist at disability equality charity Scope, about the five things that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) won't make clear before you apply.<\/p>\n

Here's everything you should know.<\/p>\n

1. Know the criteria<\/h2>\n

Tom said: "Before going into your PIP assessment, you should read up on the criteria that you'll be assessed against.<\/p>\n

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"The rough idea is that the amount of money you receive depends on the points you receive in two categories – the daily living component and mobility component.<\/p>\n

"If you do not get enough points, you will not get any PIP so reading these in advance of your assessment might be helpful when it comes to answering questions and giving evidence."<\/p>\n

Crucially, you must also have a\u00a0health\u00a0condition or\u00a0disability\u00a0where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around – or both – for three months.<\/p>\n

You should also expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you're terminally ill with less than 12 months to live).<\/p>\n

Difficulties with daily living can include:<\/p>\n