The Government is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged 16 to 64 with a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
On this page blind and partially sighted people can find out what PIP is and when it is being introduced. Other pages in this section have more detail about PIP, and information about applying for PIP, appealing a PIP decision and if you already receive DLA find out how PIP affects DLA.
What is PIP?
Being ill or having a disability can often make life more expensive. PIP is a benefit that is meant to help you with the extra costs caused by illness or disability - including sight loss.
PIP is also a benefit aimed at a particular age group: people aged 16 to 64. If you are:
-
65 or older, PIP is not the benefit that you will claim to help with extra costs. If you are claiming help for the first time, it will be Attendance Allowance. If you are 65 or over and already receive DLA, you will remain on DLA.
-
under 16 and claiming help for the first time, you should make a claim for DLA. When you turn 16, you will then have to make a claim for PIP.
When is the Government introducing PIP?
PIP will come in from 8 April 2013 for new claims in parts of the North West and North East of England. The rest of the country will follow on 10 June 2013 (except Northern Ireland where a date has yet to be agreed).
Different dates apply if you already receive DLA. Read our page about how PIP affects DLA.
Watch our PIP film
Watch our short film about the introduction of the new PIP benefit and how RNIB fought hard to ensure that the needs of blind and partially sighted people were taken into account by the government. Find out more about our PIP campaign.
Further information
Read our pages about PIP details, applying for PIP, appealing a PIP decision and if you already receive DLA find out how PIP affects DLA or take a look at our factsheet:
RNIB Helpline
If you have any concerns about the introduction of PIP please call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk. You can also sign up for our PIP email updates.
Please note that we can only give advice about benefits for blind and partially sighted people and their carers or dependants.
RNIB Cymru
If you live in Wales, RNIB Cymru has experienced advisors to guide you through the change in benefits to ensure that everyone receives everything that they are entitled to. Visit the money advice and support in Wales page.
Spread the message
We want to make sure all blind and partially sighted people know about the introduction of PIP, what it means for them and where to get support. If you can help us spread the word please download and share our PIP leaflet in PDF or Word format:
