The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released the latest figures showing that over 40,800 people across Great Britain with diabetes are currently receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help cover their daily living and mobility needs. However, new data from Diabetes UK indicates that there are 4.6 million people in the UK diagnosed with diabetes, marking a record high and an increase from the 4.4 million reported last year.
This figure includes approximately 8 per cent with type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body is unable to produce insulin, a hormone that aids in converting glucose into energy. Around 90 per cent have type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body does not properly utilise insulin, while 2 per cent suffer from different and rarer forms of the condition.
Diabetes UK estimates that an additional 1.3 million people have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. It also believes roughly 6.3 million people live with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, also known as prediabetes.
If left untreated, prediabetes can progress into type 2 diabetes, although it can be reversed through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercise. According to the latest figures from Diabetes UK, more than 12 million people in the UK, or one in five adults, either have diabetes or prediabetes, the charity stated, reports the Daily Record.
Colette Marshall, the chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: "These latest figures highlight the hidden health crisis we're facing in the UK, and underline why the Government must act now. There must be better care for the millions of people living with all types of diabetes, to support them to live well and fend off the risk of developing devastating complications."
In light of these challenges, individuals affected by diabetes in Scotland are advised to consider applying for Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Those in the rest of the UK may look into Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as a source of support.
As per the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), in January, 40,868 individuals received PIP due to diabetes conditions. A successful application for PIP or ADP could lead to monetary assistance ranging from £29.20 to £187.45 weekly, which equates to between £116.80 and £749.80 on a four-weekly basis.
What diabetic conditions are supported through PIP and ADP?
- Diabetes mellitus Type 1 (insulin-dependent)
- Diabetes mellitus Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent)
- Diabetes mellitus (category unknown)
The eligibility criteria for both PIP and the newly introduced ADP in Scotland predominantly align. Prospective applicants should note that they must have experienced difficulties with daily living or mobility for at least three months and expect such difficulties to persist for a further nine months.
Additional requisites include having resided in the UK for a minimum of two years out of the last three and being present in the country when making the application. Full guidance on the Scottish ADP is available on the official MYGOV.SCOT website.
In addition to the above, if you require assistance with any of the following due to your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. If you are terminally ill, different rules apply and these can be found on the GOV.UK website.
The DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will examine each task in detail:
- whether you can do it safely
- how long it takes you
- how often your condition affects this activity
- whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
How are PIP and ADP paid?
PIP and ADP are typically paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. Payments will be directly deposited into your bank, building society or credit union account.
ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. An assessment will determine the level of financial aid you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support with payments made every four weeks.
PIP consists of two components - the 'daily living' and 'mobility' rates. Whether you receive one or both of these and the amount depends on the severity of your condition's impact on you.
Depending on your circumstances, you will be paid the following amounts per week:
- Daily living: Standard rate (£73.90) | Enhanced rate (£110.40)
- Mobility: Standard rate (£29.20) | Enhanced rate (£77.05)
How are you assessed?
An independent healthcare professional will assess you to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are available, along with video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments.
It's crucial to note that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is most suitable for each claimant. More information about DWP PIP assessments can be found here.
Adult Disability Payment assessments will not require face-to-face assessments unless the claimant prefers this method - learn more about these changes here.
Wondering how to make a claim for PIP or ADP?
You can initiate a new claim by reaching out to the DWP. All the necessary information for the application can be found on the GOV.UK website here. Before you make the call, ensure you have:
- Your contact details
- Your date of birth
- Your National Insurance number - this can be found on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
- Your bank or building society account number and sort code
- Your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number
- Dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
Individuals can apply for ADP via phone, post or in-person. To learn more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or ring Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
