The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has cautioned millions of people claiming Personal Independence Payment that their benefits might be reduced. This reduction will occur in some special cases in which the benefit overlaps with another benefit, according to the official PIP handbook. Let’s know more about this and what it might mean for you.

Overlapping benefits

As such, PIP benefits will be reduced according to the handbook of the DWP when there is an overlap with other benefits. This is so because some elements of PIP cannot be completely claimed with other special benefits. There are two main overlaps as presented below:

Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA)

Constant Attendance Allowance is for those persons that are receiving IIDB or War Disability Pension, and who, by reason of their disability, require constant attention or supervision throughout the day.
To qualify for CAA, one must fulfill the following requirements:
– He or she is receiving IIDB or a war disability pension.
– He or she needs daily care, including nursing, preparation of meals, or assistance with personal activities.
There are four weekly rates for CAA, which are based on the degree of disability and the amount of care needed. If a person is awarded 100% disability in the medical examination for IIDB, his or her eligibility for CAA will be assessed automatically.

War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS): WPMS is another benefit that overlaps with PIP. WPMS is provided to war veterans who have service-related disabilities and are eligible to receive assistance with mobility costs.

Eligibility Conditions

To be eligible for WPMS, individuals must meet one of the following conditions:
They are in receipt of a war pension, which is a qualifying condition.
Loss of one or both toes or thighs.
The war pension is 40% or more, and the walking is hindered.
Exposure to serious danger or harm to walk.
Needs help in walking outside.
The person has a war pension because of their loss of vision (90% or more) and hearing loss (80% or more).
Has been assessed after a medical examination to be 100% disabled.

The WPMS recipients can access payments for their vehicle through the Motability scheme, thus providing them with extra mobility assistance.

What it means

If you are a PIP recipient but are also eligible for CAA or WPMS, your PIP payments will be reduced. Even though overlapping benefits will be paid in full, you should be aware of how such adjustments will affect your finances.

The DWP encourages PIP claimants to check their benefits and follow guidelines for clarity over whether benefits may overlap.

This information helps you plan your finances and check on other support you might be entitled to in addition to this one.

FAQs

Why might my PIP be reduced?

This could be the case if your PIP has overlapping benefit claims, including WPMS or CAA.

What is Constant Attendance Allowance?

This is a benefit for those who need to be cared for on a daily basis because of a disability.

Who is eligible for WPMS?

Veterans with service-connected mobility disabilities are eligible for WPMS.

Can PIP and WPMS be claimed at the same time?

Yes, but PIP will be reduced by the amount of WPMS.

What is the Motability Plan?

It assists WPMS recipients in financing vehicles for mobility assistance.