The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that there are now 6.3 million people across Scotland, England and Wales, receiving financial support through Universal Credit (UC), a benefit intended to help those out of work or on a low income, with daily living costs.
However, many claiming Universal Credit or income-related JobSeeker's Allowance (JSA) who have a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental condition, may be unaware that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) could provide extra money to help with daily living or mobility costs.
PIP and ADP are tax-free, non-means tested payments that do not affect the benefit cap, which means a single claimant over 25 on Universal Credit or JSA making a new claim for either benefit (ADP has replaced all new claims for PIP in Scotland), could potentially receive up to £691 every four weeks alongside their other benefits.
This means that someone aged over 25 on Universal Credit and the enhanced rates of PIP or ADP could potentially receive £1,059.74 each month.