DWP PIP document could show if you’ll keep benefit after change | Personal Finance | Finance

Those receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) may be able to check if they can retain their benefits following changes to eligibility criteria.

The rules for claiming the daily living component of PIP are set to become significantly stricter from November next year, as confirmed by Liz Kendall last month.

For the 3.7 million individuals already on PIP, it’s uncertain what will happen if they fail to meet the new criteria despite having previously been approved for the benefit.

However, one key document could help them determine if they would be eligible under the revised rules; the claim form.

You should already have it as part of your original award letter, but you can also request a copy from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Social Security Scotland, depending on your location.

The form provides a detailed breakdown of how you scored on the daily living assessment.

This assessment evaluates how your disability impacts 10 daily activities, awarding more points for greater assistance or equipment required.

Until November 2026, a total of eight points across all 10 activities is needed to qualify for the standard rate of PIP’s daily living component. If you score 12 or higher, you may be eligible for the enhanced rate of PIP’s daily living component.

However, under the new changes, you’ll need to meet these criteria and score a minimum of four points in any single category during the assessment.

Reviewing your claim form and the PIP 2 evidence form can provide some insight into how this change in eligibility might affect you.

If you don’t already have a copy of your PIP 2 evidence form, you can request one from the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433. This is the health questionnaire you completed before your initial assessment.

Comparing your original claim form with the new criteria won’t guarantee that you’ll be unaffected by the welfare reform. However, it can offer some reassurance for those who do qualify and allow others to start preparing for the change.

Furthermore, reviewing your PIP award and claim form can also inform you when your benefit is due for its next review.

If it’s scheduled to be reviewed before next November, and the backlog clears up so you are seen by the review date, your award could be evaluated based on the current eligibility system.

This could potentially extend it beyond the date that the changes come into effect, as reported by the Daily Record.