Up to one in five people in the UK suffer with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS), but many may not realise that they could be eligible for additional financial assistance through Personal Independence Payment (PIP). These benefits can help offset the extra costs associated with living with a gastrointestinal health condition such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), hernia, constipation, and Coeliac disease.
Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that as of April’s end, over 36,300 people across Great Britain were claiming PIP for a gastrointestinal health condition.
A successful PIP claim can provide between £29.20 and £187.45 per week in extra financial support. As the benefit is paid every four weeks, this equates to between £116.80 and £749.80 each pay period, reports the Daily Record.
Check out this list of 25 gastrointestinal conditions where PIP can assist with daily living, mobility needs, or a combination of both components. It’s crucial to note that PIP (and ADP in Scotland) support over 500 health conditions. However, the list isn’t exhaustive, so if your condition isn’t listed here, don’t be deterred from making a claim as there is also an ‘unknown’ category.
Diseases of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum
- Hiatus hernia / gastroesophageal reflux disease / reflux oesophagitis
- Oesophageal varices
- Oesophagus, stomach and duodenum – Other diseases of / type not known
- Peptic ulcer (gastric and duodenal)/gastritis
Diseases of the small bowel
- Coeliac disease
- Small bowel – Other diseases of / type not known
Inflammatory bowel disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
Diseases of the colon
- Colon – Other diseases of / type not known
- Constipation
- Diverticular disease / diverticulitis
Diseases of the rectum and anus
- Anorectal abscess
- Fistula in anus
- Haemorrhoids
- Rectal prolapse
- Rectum/anus – Other diseases of / type not known
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Benign tumours of the gastrointestinal tract
Abdominal hernias
Congenital disorders of the GI tract
- Cleft lip
- Cleft lip with cleft palate
- Hirschsprung Disease
- Tracheo-oesophageal fistula/atresia
Other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
- Attention to artificial opening colostomy/ileostomy/ stoma – no underlying diagnosis
- Gastrointestinal tract – Other diseases of / type not known
If you require extra assistance to manage daily living or mobility costs due to a mental health condition, it might be worth considering submitting a new claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Who could qualify for PIP?
To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability that causes difficulties with daily living or mobility (or both) for 3 months. Furthermore, you must expect your difficulties to persist for at least 9 months.
Typically, you need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to the above, if your condition necessitates or results in help with any of the following, you should think about applying for PIP (different rules apply if you’re terminally ill; these can be found on the GOV.UK website):
- preparing, cooking or eating food
- managing your medication
- washing, bathing or using the toilet
- dressing and undressing
- engaging and communicating with other people
- reading and understanding written information
- making decisions about money
- planning a journey or following a route
- moving around
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will evaluate each task based on:
- whether you can do it safely
- how long it takes you
- how often your condition affects this activity
- whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
How is PIP paid?
PIP is typically paid every four weeks, with the exception of terminally ill individuals who receive weekly payments. These funds are directly deposited into your bank, building society or credit union account.
To determine the financial assistance you’re entitled to, an assessment is required, and your rate will be routinely reviewed to ensure appropriate support. Payments are made on a four-weekly basis. PIP comprises two elements, Daily Living and Mobility. Your eligibility for one or both components, as well as the amount, hinges on the severity of your condition’s impact. The following weekly payment rates apply based on your circumstances:
Daily living:
- Standard rate: £73.90
- Enhanced rate: £110.40
Mobility:
- Standard rate: £29.20
- Enhanced rate: £77.05
How do assessments work?
An independent healthcare professional will assess you to assist the DWP in determining the level of financial support you require for PIP. Health-related benefit consultations can take place face-to-face, via video call, telephone or paper-based assessments – it’s crucial to note that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment best suits each claimant.
How do you make a claim for PIP?
You can initiate a new claim by contacting the DWP, all the necessary information to apply is available on the GOV.UK website here. Before you ring, ensure you have:
- your contact details
- your date of birth
- your National Insurance number – this is found on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
- your bank or building society account number and sort code
- your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
- dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
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