PIP alert as Brits urged to check if they can backdate benefits

(PIP) is a benefit paid to people over the age of 16 and under the age with the extra daily costs of living for more than 530 health conditions or disabilities, which may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive, or any combination of these.

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions () show that 3.6 million people across England, Scotland, and Wales were receiving PIP at the end of October 2024.

PIPs are worth between £26.90 and £101.75 each, and a claim may give access to other means-tested benefits even if they have previously been told they are not eligible.

According to guidance in the , it may also be possible to backdate certain benefits to the start of their PIP award.

An entitlement to PIP provides a gateway or passport to other benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance, and schemes sponsored by other departments, such as the Blue Badge.

The guidance explains that many benefits and schemes have additional qualifying conditions, but for some, including the Blue Badge, there are alternative ways of accessing the benefit that do not rely on a particular rate or component of PIP.

added that in most cases, claimants must use their PIP award letter as proof of entitlement. The guidance also states that carers may be able to claim Income Support (including for up to 26 weeks while the PIP claim is being assessed), and many carers may continue claiming Income Support after PIP is awarded.

These are the other benefits a claim for PIP may entitle you to:

• Access to Work
• Carer’s Allowance
• Carer’s Credit
• Child Tax Credit – new claims are now replaced by Universal Credit
• Council Tax Reduction
• Council Tax Discount
• Employment and Support Allowance – only if you get the PIP daily living component
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support‎
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit – only if you get the PIP or ADP daily living component
• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit – new claims replaced by Universal Credit