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For some people, PIP may be the first disability allowance they’ve ever received. For most though, PIP is replacing the Disability Living Allowance (DLA). People who claimed DLA are gradually being reassessed by an independent healthcare professional on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to find out the level of support they need.
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Who Gets PIP?
The criteria for a PIP award is certainly stricter than the old DLA. In the past, DLA was often awarded through self-assessment. Now though, eligibility for PIP is determined via an assessment, and money is subsequently awarded according to a points system.
The PIP assessment is normally a face-to-face consultation to find out the level of support a person needs. A range of assessments are carried out by the healthcare professional, with points ranging from 0-12 given based on a person’s ability to perform certain everyday tasks.
Put simply, the more severe an individual’s needs, the more they money will receive, though they do need to record enough points at the assessment to pass what the DWP calls the ‘entitlement threshold’.
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How Much Money Will I Get If I Qualify For PIP?
If an individual is assessed and passes the ‘entitlement threshold’ to qualify for PIP, they will receive one of two rates: the Standard Rate or the Enhanced Rate. The Enhanced Rate of PIP is awarded to people who are severely limited in their ability to carry out the ‘tasks’ in one or both of PIP’s components.
The Enhanced Rate of the Motability Component of PIP is currently worth £62.25 a week.
The PIP money is usually paid into a person’s bank account every 4 weeks, is tax free and can be spent by the recipient on anything they like. For example, the daily living component could simply be spent on everyday living costs, or on specific things to help them in their daily life, like a prosthesis, hand rails or a specially adapted toilet seat.
If a person qualifies for the mobility component of the PIP, the money is often spent on a car, a scooter or a wheelchair to help them get around.
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How Do I Qualify For A Motability Car?
If you want to lease a brand-new car through the Motability Scheme, you need to have been awarded the Enhanced Rate of the Motability Component of PIP. If you currently recieve this you can choose to exchange it for the new car of your choice.
If you’re interested in a new Motability car, search through all the different Motability cars and deals available then pay a visit one of your local Motability dealers to take a test drive and see if the car you like is right for you and your needs.
Search For A PIP Motability Car
With Motability you get a brand new car every 3 years plus fully comprehensive insurance for up to three named drivers, full breakdown assistance, servicing, maintenance and repairs at a local car dealership.
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I Didn't Qualify For The Higher Rate. Can I Appeal Against The DWP’s Decision?
Yes. If you feel a mistake has been made there is an appeals process that can be followed to try and overturn the DWP’s decision. To begin with, discuss it directly with the DWP and then make a formal appeal (which the Government calls a ‘mandatory reconsideration’) to have your PIP score reviewed.