PIP can be received by state pensioners under these conditions - what you need to know

PERSONAL Independence Payment (PIP) is a state benefit designed to help people with some of the extra costs associated with long term ill-health or disabilities. It is usually not possible to claim PIP once a person reaches state pension age but there are some exceptions to this rule.


can be paid once a person reaches state pension age which is in the process of being raised. Once a person reaches state pension age they will not be able to claim PIP.

However, there are some instances where a person of state pension age can get PIP.

State pensioners will be able to get PIP if they:

  • Were getting PIP before they reached state pension age and their condition hasn’t changed
  • Were claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and they’ve had a letter inviting them to apply for PIP



PIP will need to be claimed over the phone (Image: GETTY)

State pension

State pension rates have recently been raised (Image: EXPRESS)

On top of this some people may be able to get PIP if they’ve previously got it and were still entitled to it over the previous year.

The government details that claimants who cannot get PIP will be able to apply for Attendance Allowance instead.

General eligibility rules for PIP detail that people must be at least 16 to claim the support.

Claimants must have a health condition or disability where they have had difficulties with daily living or getting around for at least three months.

These difficulties must also be expected to continue for at least nine months.


PIP is tax free and eligible claimants can get it whether they’re in or out of work.

The actual level of support provided will be dependent on an assessment and the rate offered will be regularly reviewed.

PIP is made up of two parts and whether the claimant gets one or both will be dependent on the severity of their condition.

The “daily living part” is a weekly rate of either £59.70 or £89.15.


PIP can be claimed by people who are still working (Image: GETTY)

There is also a “mobility part” which provides a weekly payment of either £23.60 or £62.25.

If a person is getting PIP as well as the Constant Attendance Allowance, the daily living part of the PIP payments will be reduced by the amount of Constant Attendance Allowance received.

The PIP income itself will usually be paid every four weeks.

A claimant will be provided with a decision letter which will inform the claimant of when their first payment will be received and what day of the week the money will arrive.


PIP provides a weekly income (Image: GETTY)

If the payment date falls on a bank holiday (such as the one coming next week) the claimant will usually be paid early.

PIP, just like all benefits, pensions or allowances will be paid into a designated bank, building society or credit union account.

To start a PIP claim, a person will need to call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Before calling, the government detail that the following information will need to be collected and ready to be provided:

  • Contact details
  • Date of birth
  • National Insurance number
  • Bank or building society account number and sort code
  • Doctor or health worker details
  • Dates and addresses for any time spent abroad, in a care home or hospital