New PIP Claim: Turning 60 often brings new questions about financial wellbeing. With costs rising, many retirees wonder how to supplement their income. If you’re over 60 and living with a disability or long-term health condition, a New PIP Claim could be transformative. This Personal Independence Payment benefit, when combined with the new State Pension, may provide up to £1,670.80 per month—helping cover bills, care, or daily living expenses.
New PIP Claim: Boosting Your Retirement Income
A New PIP Claim refers to applying for Personal Independence Payment before you reach State Pension age. It’s designed to help those with disabilities or long-term illnesses who suffer everyday living or mobility challenges. If you secure enhanced rate PIP and are also eligible for the full new State Pension, your combined income can reach £1,670.80 per month. This powerful combination of financial support, disability benefit, and regular pension income offers a solid foundation during retirement. Understanding the claim process, eligibility criteria, and how PIP differs from Attendance Allowance or Scotland’s ADP is essential to maximize your benefits.
Overview Table
| Topic | Details |
| Eligibility | Under State Pension age at application; long-term health condition |
| Condition Requirements | Daily living or mobility difficulties for ≥3 months (and expected ≥9) |
| Residency | Lived in UK for ≥2 of last 3 years |
| Age Limit | Must apply before reaching State Pension age |
| PIP Weekly Rates (2025/26) | Daily Living: £73.90 or £110.40Mobility: £29.20 or £77.05 |
| Max Weekly PIP | £187.45 (enhanced for both components) |
| Monthly PIP | £749.80 (inclusive of 4-week cycles) |
| State Pension Rate | Up to £230.25/week (£921 every four weeks) |
| Combined Monthly Income | Up to £1,670.80 |
| Over‑65 PIP Claimants | 709,710 individuals aged 65–79 across Great Britain |
| Scotland Alternative | Adult Disability Payment (ADP) |
| Award Duration | From 9 months to 10 years; longer for older claimants |
| Post‑Pension Age | No new PIP claims; Attendance Allowance is an option |
What Is PIP and Who Can Claim It?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a vital disability benefit for individuals below the State Pension age. It supports those who have difficulty with everyday activities or mobility due to physical or mental health challenges. To qualify for a New PIP Claim, your difficulties must have lasted at least three months and be expected to continue for nine more months. Additionally, you must have lived in the UK for two of the past three years—you don’t need to be working or have paid National Insurance contributions.
For retirees or those close to pension age, this can be a game-changer. Understanding the PIP claim process, including completing forms and undergoing a functional assessment, is essential in securing this additional income.
PIP Payment Breakdown: How You Reach £1,670/Month
PIP consists of two components—Daily Living and Mobility—each with two payment levels: standard or enhanced. These levels depend on how much help you need due to health conditions. For the 2025–26 period, weekly rates are:
- Daily Living:
- Standard: £73.90
- Enhanced: £110.40
- Standard: £73.90
- Mobility:
- Standard: £29.20
- Enhanced: £77.05
- Standard: £29.20
Qualifying for enhanced rates for both components offers £187.45/week, or £749.80 every four weeks. When added to the new State Pension of up to £230.25/week (£921 per four weeks), the combined package can reach £1,670.80/month—a remarkable boost to retirement income.
How Many Over‑65s Are Already Claiming PIP?
Recent statistics show that over 709,710 people aged 65–79 in Great Britain are already receiving PIP:
- Age 65–69: 424,614
- Age 70–74: 219,089
- Age 75–79: 69,013
This proves that many seniors are benefiting from this important financial support. If you’re nearing pension age, getting your application in early is vital—as new PIP claims aren’t accepted after you qualify for the State Pension. Existing recipients will continue receiving payments even after reaching pension age.
What Happens in Scotland?
Scotland replaced PIP with the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) for new claimants. Though the name has changed, the eligibility criteria, assessment, and payment amounts remain aligned with PIP. If you’re already on PIP in Scotland, your payments are being transferred to ADP—so there’s no loss in benefits.
How Long Does a PIP Award Last?
PIP award lengths vary based on your condition, expected recovery, and ongoing support needs:
- Standard awards range from 9 months to 10 years.
- Awards for older individuals, especially those at State Pension age, are usually longer or ongoing.
- Short-term awards (up to two years) are more common if improvement is likely.
Understanding your award’s duration and how to request a review later can ensure you remain supported.
Can You Reclaim PIP After State Pension Age?
Once you’ve reached the State Pension age, you cannot start a New PIP Claim. Existing PIP claimants retain their payments. However, if your claim ended less than 12 months before turning pension age, you may be able to reclaim PIP for the same condition. For those who never claimed PIP, Attendance Allowance is an alternative—worth up to £110.40 per week, based on care needs.
What Conditions May Qualify You for PIP or ADP?
You may be eligible if your condition affects your ability to do everyday tasks. These include:
- Preparing or eating meals
- Washing, dressing, or using the toilet
- Managing personal medication
- Handling finances or reading information
- Traveling or planning trips
- Communicating or socializing
During assessment, each difficulty is scored. Their total determines your eligibility and whether you qualify for standard or enhanced rates.
How to Make a New PIP Claim
To apply:
- Contact DWP
Start by calling the Department for Work and Pensions. - Prepare your documents
Gather personal details (DOB, National Insurance), bank info, medical history, GP contact details, and any hospital or travel dates. - Complete the initial form
Provide clear, detailed examples of daily living or mobility challenges. - Attend a functional assessment
A trained assessor reviews your condition—either over the phone, online, or face-to-face. - Receive a decision
DWP informs you of the outcome—eligibility, rate, and award duration. - Ongoing support
If your condition changes, you can request a review. And if you haven’t applied yet but are over 60, it’s crucial to act before you reach pension age.
FAQs
1. Can I claim both PIP and State Pension together?
Yes. If you started receiving PIP before State Pension age, you can continue getting both benefits after reaching pension age.
2. What if I forgot to apply before reaching pension age?
Unfortunately, new PIP claims aren’t accepted after State Pension age. But you may still apply for Attendance Allowance.
3. Is PIP means-tested or taxed?
No. PIP isn’t based on income, savings, or tax status. It won’t affect other benefits or your tax rate.
4. What’s the difference between PIP and ADP?
In Scotland, ADP replaced PIP for new applications, but the criteria, assessments, and payments remain the same.
5. How long does it take to get a decision?
Processing times vary. You’ll get an initial decision within a few weeks to several months after assessment, depending on your situation.
Final Thought
A New PIP Claim can make a real difference—potentially increasing your monthly income to £1,670.80. It’s not just a benefit; it’s a lifeline for those living with health challenges. If you’re over 60, don’t wait—review your eligibility, start the application today, and secure the financial help you deserve. Feel free to comment below or share this article. Your story could inspire others in similar circumstances. For more guidance and tips, keep exploring our content and take control of your future.