Benefit changes: What is PIP and how does it affect me?

DLA is being phased out and will be replaced by the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in England and Wales. This will affect everyone with a disability between the ages of 16 – 65, whether they are in work or not. Those who are currently over 65 will continue to receive DLA.

In some ways PIP has similarities with DLA, such as the fact that they are both made up of two components – Daily Living and Mobility. PIP is however, a different benefit with different criteria, and individuals will not be able to accurately tell how the transition to PIP will affect them. Some may see an increase in their benefits, others a decrease.

Sense is working hard to ensure that the new assessments are as accurate as possible so that the needs of deafblind people are effectively recognised.

PIP survey

If you have applied for PIP, please let Sense know what happened so that we can continue to campaign for improvements in the system. There is a survey on the website or you can contact the Information and Advice Team on 0845 127 0066 or
020 7520 0972 or email them at info@sense.org.uk, to help you complete the survey.

The PIP timetable

PIP is being phased in gradually to allow time for possible adjustments before it is implemented nationwide. The introduction of PIP is as follows:

• The controlled start area in the North West and parts of the North East of England commenced in April 2013 for people making new claims. New claims will start nationally from 10 June 2013.
• Reassessments for people whose DLA award is due to end, people who report a change in condition and young people who reach the age of 16 will start in October 2013.
• Reassessments for those with a lifetime or indefinite DLA award will not start until October 2015, which Sense hopes will enable more time for any problems with the process to be addressed.

​If you currently receive DLA you will be invited to apply for PIP by the DWP at the appropriate time. You do not need to do anything until they contact you. When the DWP do contact you about applying for PIP, please get in touch with Sense for help and advice on the application process.

PIP rates

These are the same as for DLA, however regrettably the lower rate of payment for the care component has been removed. It is not yet clear which rates people may be entitled to because the way in which entitlement is assessed as changed, so it is not possible to assume that someone receiving DLA will necessarily get comparable support through PIP; some may see an increase in their benefits, others a decrease. 

The new rates for PIP in 2013 will be:

The application process

If you are already in receipt of DLA you do not need to do anything until DWP contact you and invite you to apply for PIP. When you receive this letter you should act quickly and contact Sense for help and advice on making sure your application is as clear and accurate as possible. You might also want to think about what evidence you could provide to support your application. Sense is in the process of producing a detailed guide on the application process.

Will you have to have a face to face assessment?

Possibly but not necessarily. Where it is really clear what benefit someone would receive no face to face assessment will be needed. However some people will need to have an assessment. Again, people should ask Sense for advice about assessments. It can be a good chance to explain how your deafblindness affects you.

Contact Sense

Anyone concerned about how they will be affected by these benefit changes should contact Sense for information, support and advice; Sense is very happy to guide people through the transition process to the new PIP benefit.

The Sense information and Advice Team can be emailed at info@sense.org.uk or visit the Information and Advice page for more contact details.

See more detail about how the PIP benefit will work.