Thousands of older adults across Great Britain are missing out on a vital financial lifeline. If you’re over 60, making a new claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) could increase your monthly income to as much as £1,670.80. With rising living costs and fixed retirement incomes, this benefit can be a game-changer for those living with long-term health conditions or disabilities.
Let’s break down how this works, who qualifies, and how you can apply.
What Is PIP and Who Can Claim It?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for individuals aged below State Pension age who have a disability, illness, or mental health condition that affects their ability to carry out everyday tasks or move around.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be under State Pension age when applying
- Have experienced challenges in daily living or mobility for at least 3 months
- Expect these challenges to continue for at least 9 more months
- Be living in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years
You do not need to be working or have paid National Insurance to apply. In fact, many older people nearing or just past retirement could qualify without even realizing it.
PIP Payment Breakdown: How You Reach £1,670/Month
PIP is made up of two components:
- Daily Living
- Mobility
Each component has a standard and an enhanced rate based on the severity of your condition.
PIP Weekly Payment Rates (2025/26)
| Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £73.90 | £110.40 |
| Mobility | £29.20 | £77.05 |
If you qualify for both components at the enhanced rate, you’ll receive:
- £110.40 (Daily Living) + £77.05 (Mobility) = £187.45/week
- Paid every four weeks: £749.80/month
Add Your State Pension – Reach Up to £1,670.80/Month
The New State Pension pays up to £230.25/week, which equals £921 every four weeks.
When combined with full PIP, the potential total monthly income is:
- New State Pension: £921
- Enhanced PIP (both components): £749.80
- Total: £1,670.80/month
For many older adults, this combined payment can significantly improve financial security in retirement.
How Many Over-65s Are Already Claiming PIP?
As of recent figures, more than 709,000 people aged 65–79 are receiving PIP across Great Britain:
| Age Group | Claimants |
|---|---|
| 65–69 | 424,614 |
| 70–74 | 219,089 |
| 75–79 | 69,013 |
| Total | 709,710 |
If you are approaching State Pension age, it’s essential to act fast—you cannot make a new PIP claim once you reach it. However, existing claimants can continue to receive payments after crossing that threshold.
What Happens in Scotland?
In Scotland, new claims for PIP have been replaced with the Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Existing PIP recipients are being transitioned to ADP, but the eligibility criteria and payment amounts remain the same.
How Long Does a PIP Award Last?
Each PIP award is tailored to the individual’s needs. The duration is based on your condition and treatment plans. General guidelines are:
- Awards typically range from 9 months to 10 years
- Ongoing awards are common for people of State Pension age and beyond
- Some short-term awards (2 years or less) apply if recovery is likely
Can You Reclaim PIP After State Pension Age?
You can’t make a new claim for PIP after reaching State Pension age. However, if you were previously receiving PIP and your last claim ended less than 12 months before reaching pension age, you may still be able to reclaim the benefit—as long as it’s for the same health condition.
If you didn’t claim PIP before retirement, you might be eligible for Attendance Allowance, which pays up to £110.40 per week depending on your care needs.
What Conditions May Qualify You for PIP or ADP?
You may be eligible if you struggle with any of the following activities due to a physical or mental health condition:
- Preparing, cooking, or eating food
- Managing medication
- Washing, bathing, or using the toilet
- Dressing and undressing
- Communicating or engaging with others
- Reading and understanding information
- Managing finances
- Planning journeys or moving around
These are all considered during the PIP assessment, which is carried out either over the phone, online, or in person, depending on your preference and location.
How to Make a New Claim for PIP
To start a claim, you’ll need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Make sure you have:
- Your contact information
- Date of birth and National Insurance number
- Your bank or building society account details
- Name and contact of your GP or healthcare provider
- Dates and addresses for any hospital stays or time abroad
The process involves an initial form, followed by a functional assessment, after which a decision is made about your eligibility and payment rate.
If you’re over 60 and living with a long-term health condition or disability, making a new PIP claim before reaching State Pension age could significantly increase your monthly income.
By combining the highest rates of PIP with the full New State Pension, you could receive up to £1,670.80 per month.
With hundreds of thousands already benefiting, now is the time to check your eligibility and make your claim. It’s your right—claim it.
FAQs
Can I claim both PIP and State Pension?
Yes. If you claimed PIP before reaching State Pension age, you can continue receiving it while also getting your State Pension.
What if I missed applying before State Pension age?
You cannot make a new PIP claim after reaching State Pension age. However, you may qualify for Attendance Allowance instead.
Is PIP taxable or means-tested?
No. PIP is not taxable and does not affect other benefits. You can receive it regardless of income or savings.