Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit to help with costs caused by a long-term health condition or disability.
In Scotland, it’s called Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
If you’re deaf or have hearing loss, PIP or ADP could cover things like communication support.
The amount you can get depends on how your disability or health condition affects you. It’s not based on your income or savings.
If you’ve reached Stage Pension age, apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
Who can claim PIP
To claim PIP, you must:
- live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland
- be between 16 and State Pension age
- have a long-term health condition or disability that causes difficulties with activities related to daily living or mobility, or both
- meet certain residency requirements
You can apply when either:
- you’ve had difficulties caused by ill health or disability for 3 months, and expect them to last for at least 9 months
- you’re terminally ill with less than 6 months to live
Who can claim ADP
To claim ADP, you must:
- live in Scotland
- be between 16 and State Pension age
- have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or terminal illness
- meet certain residency requirements
You can still apply if you’re waiting for a diagnosis.
How to claim PIP or ADP
There are 3 steps to the claims process.
Step 1: Start a claim
You can start your PIP claim by phone, post, textphone, Relay UK, or video relay if you use sign language.
Someone else can make the call for you, but you must be with them to confirm that you’ve given permission.
In some areas, you can start a claim online.
Find contact details for claiming PIP (gov.uk)
You can claim ADP online, by phone or by post.
Find details for claiming ADP (mygov.scot)
Step 2: Fill in the form
You will be sent a ‘How your disability affects you’ claim form, along with notes to help you fill it in.
If you’re claiming PIP or ADP because of your hearing loss or deafness, give detailed answers to the questions about your communication difficulties and the help you need to communicate.
This applies even if you do not currently get communication support. Explain what help you need, not the amount of help you actually get.
Give examples of the communication difficulties you face and the help you need in different situations – for example:
- when visiting the doctor
- using public transport
- while at work
- at the shops
- for social and leisure activities
Explain how often you need this help and how long you need it for. Give as much detail as you can.
Once you’ve completed your form, return it in the envelope provided.
Step 3: Have your needs assessed by a medical professional
An independent health professional will assess the level of you help you need. In most cases, this means a face-to-face medical assessment. It can take place in your home if you prefer.
During the assessment you’ll be asked about the help you need in relation to everyday activities, including the help you need to communicate verbally.
Getting a decision
A PIP or ADP case manager will review all the information available and make a decision on your claim. They will write to you to explain how the decision was made.
If you qualify for PIP or ADP, you’ll be told how much you’ll get and when you’ll be paid.
You will also be told when your benefit will be reviewed so that you continue to get the right support.
If you disagree with the decision
You can challenge the decision if your claim is refused, or if the amount you’re awarded does not meet your needs.
The process is called mandatory reconsideration, or re-determination in Scotland. Find out how to:
Your claim will be looked at again by a different person. You can submit extra evidence that shows why the decision was wrong.
You’ll get a letter telling you if the decision has been changed. If you still disagree, you can appeal the decision at a tribunal.
It’s best to get support from a benefits adviser to challenge a decision. You could:
- contact Citizens Advice
- contact Advice Direct Scotland
- find a local adviser on Turn2Us
- contact the deafPLUS Advice Line for advice in British Sign Language (BSL)