PIP myths that stop people claiming up to £627 a month – are you eligible? | Personal Finance | Finance

The eligibility criteria for PIP is the same as Disability Living Allowance

This is wrong as PIP has different eligibility criteria and is not based on the health condition or disability someone has.

Claims are assessed based on how that condition or disability affects someone’s ability to safely carry out day-to-day living tasks such as cooking, washing and communicating or moving around outside their home.

PIP is only for people with physical disabilities

This is wrongly assumed by many people, but the most common reason for a claim is for support with a ‘hidden’ disability.

There are hundreds of thousands of people across the UK receiving PIP to help them cope with a mental health condition, including stress, anxiety and depression.

The assessment criteria for PIP takes into account the impact of individuals’ health conditions or impairments whether it’s physical, sensory, mental or cognitive.

Data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) shows that more than one million people are now claiming for psychiatric disorders, which includes autism spectrum disorders, mood disorders and learning disorders.

READ MORE: DWP: Universal Credit and other benefit claimants set to get cash boost at Christmas