DWP could issue £187 weekly payments if you have stomach problems

People across the country could be entitled to more than £187 a week to help manage conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS) and other stomach ailments. Yet many might not be aware.

It's all to do with Personal Independence Payments (PIP). They could provide additional financial support to help manage the extra costs associated with a gastrointestinal health condition like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), hernia, constipation and Coeliac disease.

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of April, more than 36,300 people across Great Britain were claiming PIP for a gastrointestinal health condition. A successful claim for PIP can offer between £29.20 and £187.45 each week in extra financial support and as the benefit is paid every four weeks.

This equates to between £116.80 and £749.80 each pay period. Here's a list of 25 gastrointestinal conditions that are supported through PIP to assist with either daily living, mobility needs or a combination of both components, reports the Daily Record.

It's important to remember that PIP can support more than 500 health conditions, but the list is not exhaustive, so if you have a condition that isn't listed here, don't be put off from making a claim as there is also an 'unknown' category.

Diseases of the small bowel

• Coeliac disease
• Small bowel - Other diseases of / type not known

Inflammatory bowel disease

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Diseases of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum

• Hiatus hernia / gastroesophageal reflux disease / reflux oesophagitis
• Oesophageal varices
• Oesophagus, stomach and duodenum - Other diseases of / type not known
• Peptic ulcer (gastric and duodenal)/gastritis

Diseases of the rectum and anus

• Anorectal abscess
• Fistula in anus
• Haemorrhoids
• Rectal prolapse
• Rectum/anus - Other diseases of / type not known

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Benign tumours of the gastrointestinal tract Abdominal hernias

• Hernia

Other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

• Attention to artificial opening colostomy/ileostomy/ stoma - no underlying diagnosis
• Gastrointestinal tract - Other diseases of / type not known

Diseases of the rectum and anus

• • Anorectal abscess
  • Fistula in anus
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Rectal prolapse
  • Rectum/anus - Other diseases of / type not known
  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)Benign tumours of the gastrointestinal tractAbdominal hernias
  • Hernia
  Other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Attention to artificial opening colostomy/ileostomy/ stoma - no underlying diagnosis
  • Gastrointestinal tract - Other diseases of / type not known
  Congenital disorders of the GI tract
  • Cleft lip
  • Cleft lip with cleft palate
  • Hirschsprung Disease
  • Tracheo-oesophageal fistula/atresia

Who is eligible for PIP?

• have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
• expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months

You typically need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we've detailed above, if you receive or require help with any of the following due to your condition, you should consider applying for PIP:

• engaging and communicating with other people
• reading and understanding written information
• planning a journey or following a route
• dressing and undressing
• preparing, cooking or eating food
• moving around
• washing, bathing or using the toilet
• making decisions about money
• managing your medication

The DWP will evaluate how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will examine:

• whether you can do it safely
• whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
• how often your condition affects this activity
• how long it takes you

How is PIP disbursed?

PIP is typically disbursed every four weeks, with the exception of terminally ill individuals who receive weekly payments. These benefits are directly deposited into your bank, building society or credit union account.

PIP payment rates

An assessment is required to determine the level of financial assistance you qualify for, and this rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you're receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made on a four-weekly basis.

PIP is made up of two components:

• Daily living
• Mobility

Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.

You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:

Daily living

• Standard rate: £73.90
• Enhanced rate: £110.40

Mobility

• Standard rate: £29.20
• Enhanced rate: £77.05

How do you make a claim for PIP?

You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.

Before you call, you will need:

• 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
• your bank or building society account number and sort code
• your contact details
• your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
• your date of birth