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Funding care > PIP payments and care home fees for seniors
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a financial benefit provided to individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities. Many seniors and their families wonder whether they can still receive PIP payments while residing in a care home. This guide will clarify the eligibility rules, differences between Daily Living Component and Mobility Component, and how care home residency affects payments.
PIP is divided into two main components:
Daily Living Component: Designed to help cover the costs of daily activities such as dressing, washing, cooking, and personal care.
Mobility Component: Aimed at assisting individuals with moving around, including indoor mobility and traveling outdoors.
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Financial support for daily living needs and mobility aids.
Available to individuals regardless of income or savings.
Can be received even if you are employed or receiving other benefits.
The eligibility rules for PIP payments differ depending on whether you are applying for the Daily Living Component or the Mobility Component.
Generally not paid if you are living in a care home where your care is funded by the NHS or local authority.
You may still receive the Daily Living Component if you self-fund your care or if you live in a care home temporarily.
The Mobility Component is always payable, regardless of who funds your care.
This means that even if your care home fees are fully covered by the NHS or local authority, you can still receive the Mobility Component of PIP.
Understanding the rates for PIP payments is essential for budgeting and planning. The table below provides an overview of the standard and enhanced rates for both components.
Component | Level | Weekly Amount (£) |
---|---|---|
Daily Living Component | Standard | £68.10 |
Daily Living Component | Enhanced | £101.75 |
Mobility Component | Standard | £26.90 |
Mobility Component | Enhanced | £71.00 |
To qualify for PIP payments while living in a care home, you must meet the following requirements:
Age: Between 16 and State Pension age.
Residency: Must live in the UK, Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands and have lived there for at least 2 of the last 3 years.
Health Condition: Must have a long-term health condition or disability that affects daily activities or mobility for at least 12 months.
Assessment: Undergo a PIP assessment to determine eligibility and level of support.
Check Eligibility: Confirm that your care home residency status does not disqualify you from receiving PIP.
Complete the Application Form: You can apply online, by phone, or by filling out a PIP1 form.
Provide Medical Evidence: Include relevant documents from healthcare professionals to support your claim.
Attend an Assessment: If required, attend a face-to-face or phone assessment to determine your eligibility.
Receive a Decision: You will be notified if your claim is successful and the amount you will receive.
Assuming You Are Not Eligible: Many individuals mistakenly believe they cannot receive PIP if living in a care home. Remember, the Mobility Component is still payable.
Incomplete Applications: Ensure all sections of the application form are completed thoroughly.
Lack of Supporting Evidence: Always provide up-to-date medical records and details of your care needs.
Can you receive PIP if you live in a care home?
Yes, but it depends on your funding arrangement. The Mobility Component is always payable, but the Daily Living Component is only payable if you self-fund your care.
Does moving into a care home affect my PIP payments?
Moving into a care home funded by the NHS or local authority can affect the Daily Living Component but not the Mobility Component.
How do I apply for PIP if I am living in a care home?
You can apply online, by phone, or by post. Ensure your application includes detailed descriptions of your care needs and supporting medical evidence.
What happens if my PIP application is denied?
You can appeal the decision by requesting a mandatory reconsideration and providing additional evidence if needed.
How can Senior Home Plus help me?
Senior Home Plus provides valuable resources and guidance for families seeking suitable residential, nursing, or extra care housing options across the UK. While we do not offer direct assistance with PIP applications, our articles are designed to help you understand eligibility requirements and maximize your benefits.
Senior Home Plus offers comprehensive resources and guidance for seniors and their families seeking the best care facilities in the UK. Our articles provide essential information about various financial support programs, including PIP, to help you make well-informed decisions.
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