PIP provides up to £737 each month to nearly 140,000 people with these respiratory conditions

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are providing crucial financial assistance to almost 140,000 individuals each month who are suffering from various respiratory conditions. According to the latest update from the Department for Work and Pensions, over 138,000 people are benefiting from PIP support for respiratory issues, with around 5,100 of these recipients residing in Scotland.

Respiratory conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and more are covered under PIP and its successor, Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Successful PIP or ADP claims can result in additional financial support ranging from £28.70 to £184.30 per week, with total monthly payments varying from £114.80 to £737.20.

It’s vital to note that new PIP claims have been replaced by ADP in Scotland, with both benefits sharing similar eligibility criteria for individuals aged over 16 and under State Pension age. The benefits system acknowledges the impact of a claimant’s health condition on their daily living activities rather than solely focusing on the condition itself when assessing eligibility.

Respiratory conditions ranging from asthma to pneumonia, and more than 20 other related illnesses, are supported by PIP. With approximately 5.4 million individuals in the UK receiving treatment for asthma alone and 68,000 in Scotland, it’s evident that these benefits play a significant role in supporting individuals with respiratory health challenges.

To be eligible for PIP or ADP, individuals must demonstrate ongoing difficulties with daily living or mobility for at least three months, expecting these challenges to persist for a minimum of nine months. The benefits are paid every four weeks, unless in cases of terminal illness where weekly payments are made directly into the recipient’s account. Assessment by healthcare professionals determines the level of financial support individuals receive based on their condition’s impact on daily living activities.

The PIP and ADP rates are reviewed regularly to ensure recipients are receiving appropriate support, with payments varying based on the severity of the condition. Claims can be made through the DWP in the UK and Social Security Scotland, ensuring that individuals with respiratory conditions can access the financial assistance they need to manage their health challenges effectively.