Can you work while claiming PIP? The rules explained

Many people wrongly believe that you can't work if you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), but crucially it's not a means-tested benefits so your income and savings don't affect what you receive.

The benefit is worth up to £194.60 per week and designed to help people with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability.

You can claim regardless of whether you're employed, self-employed, unemployed or retired, as long as you meet the eligibility rules.

Here's what you need to know.

Can you work and still claim PIP?

You can absolutely work while claiming PIP.

There is no limit on the number of hours and no earnings limit to keep receiving PIP.

In fact, it doesn't matter at all how much money you have in the bank.

Your entitlement is solely based on how your health condition or disability affects your ability to carry out everyday living activities and mobility tasks, rather than whether you have a job or how much wealth you have.

Does working affect your PIP claim?

Having a job does not automatically mean you'll lose your PIP.

However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may look at the type of work you do alongside the information you provide in your claim.

For example, if your job appears to involve activities you said you cannot do because of your condition, the DWP may ask for more information to understand how you manage those tasks.

This doesn't mean your claim will stop, but it's important that the information you give is accurate and reflects how your condition affects you on most days.

Do you have to tell the DWP if you start work?

Starting a job does not automatically mean you need to report a change.

However, you should tell the DWP if your circumstances change in a way that could affect your entitlement.

For example, you should report if your health condition improves or gets worse or your daily living or mobility has changed.

If starting work is linked to a significant improvement in your condition or means you no longer need the same level of support, you should tell the DWP because this could affect your award.

Is there a limit on how many hours you can work?

There is no maximum number of hours you can work while receiving PIP.

You can work part-time, full-time or be self-employed.

Unlike benefits such as Universal Credit, PIP is not reduced because you work more hours or earn more money.

Can you claim PIP and Universal Credit?

You can receive both PIP and Universal Credit at the same time and many people do.

PIP is paid separately and does not reduce your Universal Credit award.

In some cases, receiving PIP could increase the amount of Universal Credit you receive because you may qualify for additional elements or remove work-related requirements, depending on your circumstances.

What is PIP?

Personal Independence Payment is a benefit for people who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.

It is intended to help with the extra costs of daily living or mobility needs.

To qualify, you normally need to have experienced difficulties for at least three months and expect them to continue for at least another nine months.

PIP is made up of two components:

• The Daily Living part is for help with everyday tasks such as preparing food, washing, dressing or communicating.

• The Mobility part is for help if you have difficulty moving around or planning and following journeys.

You may qualify for one or both components, depending on your circumstances.