If you claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you may wonder if you can work at the same time. We’ve answered your most common questions on this topic.
- What are the rules and regulations for people receiving PIP and working at the same time?
- Is there a maximum number of hours I can work?
- Is there a restriction on the activities I can work on?
- Does working affect my payments?
- How do I inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if I decide to work?
What are the rules and regulations for people receiving PIP and working at the same time?
When applying for PIP, you may have first looked at the eligibility criteria on the UK Government Website. It says who is eligible, including details about working. The government states, “you can get PIP if you’re working or have savings”.
This is because PIP is not a means-tested benefit like Universal Credit is. Means-tested is when your income and savings affect how much money you receive.
Is there a maximum number of hours I can work?
Many people wonder about how many hours you can work on PIP. You can work as many hours as you like whilst receiving PIP since it is not means-tested.
However, if you receive allowances such as Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance (ESA), you may have a certain number of permitted work hours. If you receive any other allowances, you should check what work you are allowed to do. Learn more about permitted work hours on the UK Government website.
Also, be mindful that if you work many hours, you may be asked in your PIP assessment how you manage the work. Tell your assessor about any work adaptations and recovery time you need afterwards. If working increases your symptoms, share that during your assessment too.
You can learn more about how to prepare for your PIP assessment with our helpful guide.
Am I restricted on the activities I can do at work?
You can work any type of job for any number of hours while receiving PIP. However, the type of work you do can be considered when you apply for PIP. For example, if you have a physical disability and do a job with physical labour, you will likely be asked questions about this in your assessment.
The points you receive after your PIP assessment relate to your ability to do certain daily living and mobility activities. If you can do something at work, such as carrying heavy objects, this will be considered. PIP is broken down into twelve categories.
- Preparing food
- Taking nutrition
- Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition
- Washing and bathing
- Managing toilet needs or incontinence
- Dressing and undressing
- Communicating verbally
- Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words
- Engaging with other people face to face
- Making budgeting decisions
- Planning and following journeys
- Moving around
You can find a full breakdown of the PIP points system on the Benefits and Work website.
Did you know?
If you’re awarded the higher rate mobility part of PIP, and have at least 12 months left, you’re eligible to apply for the Motability Scheme. You will be entitled to a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter, or powered wheelchair. The Scheme also includes a full lease package covering insurance, breakdown cover, tyre repairs and more.
Does working affect my payments?
You must report any changes in circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that could affect your payments. A change in circumstances can include your condition improving or declining, including when you are working. If nothing changes, working will not affect your eligibility to receive PIP payments. The amount you get is not impacted by your income.
Learn how to report a change in circumstances on the UK Government website.
If you suddenly find yourself unable to work, additional support, such as Universal Credit, is available. You can claim PIP alongside allowances such as Universal Credit and ESA.
How do I inform the DWP if I decide to work?
If PIP is the only allowance you receive, you don’t need to tell the DWP if you start work. You only need to tell them if your condition or symptoms change.
However, if you also claim means-tested allowances such as Universal Credit, you must tell the DWP that you have started working. This includes how many hours you work and how much you are earning.
People receiving PIP should not be put off working if they can. Many people find their work rewarding and a good source of routine. Whether it’s full-time, part-time, or self-employed work, you can move forward knowing it’s okay to do so whilst receiving PIP.
Learn more about how PIP works and how to apply in our article answering all your most common questions.
Interested in joining the Scheme?
About the Scheme
The Motability Scheme offers an all-inclusive package. If you are in receipt of a qualifying mobility allowance you can use it to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair, or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. The Scheme provides flexible and hassle-free access to a brand-new, reliable vehicle of your choice. As well as a great choice of cars, we also provide a wide range of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, scooters, and powered wheelchairs.
Eligibility
To join the Scheme, you must be in receipt of one of the following mobility allowances:
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment – Scotland
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
You can easily check whether you’re eligible to join the Motability Scheme by using our eligibility checker tool.
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