DWP makes big decision in major benefits shake-up

PIP, which stands for Personal Independence Payment, is awarded to people who may need extra help due to an illness, disability or mental health condition

Over two million individuals are on the cusp of being transitioned from their current benefits to Universal Credit, in a significant overhaul by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This move will see Universal Credit take the place of six existing benefits.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is claimed by nearly 3.4 million people in the UK due to illnesses, disabilities, or mental health conditions, can provide up to £737.20 every four weeks based on the impact of the condition on daily activities. The DWP has clarified which benefits are set to be integrated into Universal Credit and confirmed that PIP is not among them.

Universal Credit will absorb the following benefits:.

- Working Tax Credit.

- Child Tax Credit.

- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA).

- Income Support.

- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

- Housing Benefit.

According to the GOV. UK website, "Other benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), will stay the same."

This indicates that current PIP claimants will not see their benefit discontinued or be shifted onto Universal Credit, , reports Birmingham Live.

The transition of benefits, part of the "managed migration" strategy, is being executed in phases. By the end of December 2025, the DWP aims to have reached out to all affected parties.

So, what is the value of PIP?

PIP is typically paid every four weeks, but can be paid weekly for those who are terminally ill. It consists of two parts - a daily living rate and a mobility rate.

Depending on how your condition affects your life, you may be entitled to one or both of these rates. The daily living rate is split into a lower rate of £72.65 and a higher rate of £108.55.

The mobility rate also has a lower rate of £28.70 and a higher rate of £75.75.

Eligibility for PIP is determined by an assessment carried out by a health professional, which evaluates how your condition impacts your daily life. You may qualify for the daily living part of PIP if you require assistance with tasks such as eating, drinking, preparing food, washing, bathing, using the toilet, dressing, undressing, reading, communicating, managing your medicines or treatments, making decisions about money, and socialising.

The mobility part of PIP may be granted if you need help with navigating routes, physically moving around, or leaving your home. To claim PIP, you must be aged 16 or over.

If you're already receiving PIP when you reach State Pension age, your claim will usually continue. However, most people cannot make a new PIP claim once they reach State Pension age, unless they were eligible for PIP in the last 12 months.

PIP claims typically have a set duration before they are reassessed, usually ranging from one to 10 years. For those who are terminally ill, there are special rules in place that allow for the fast-tracking of PIP applications by the DWP, enabling recipients to receive their first payment within a fortnight.