We couldn’t afford a cup of TEA never mind our heating bill… then 10-minute check gave us extra £500 a MONTH for free

A COUPLE couldn't even afford a cup of tea before discovering they were entitled to an extra £500 a month for free.

Phil Regan, 59, and his partner Fiona, from Derbyshire, didn't realise they were eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

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Phil was his son's full-time carer before he sadly passed away in 2006, but fell into debt after his benefits stopped.

His entitlement was later reassessed - yet he was underpaid and ended up owing £14,000 after he turned to payday loans to survive.

But after using the free Turn2Us benefits calculator on the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) website, Phil was shocked to learn he could claim an extra £500 in PPI.

"It's made life more bearable," Phil told The Mirror. "Now we can put another £30 on the gas or electric if we are cold, whereas before we couldn't do that and just had to put another jumper on.

"If we want to go to the park with the children, we can afford to get a cup of tea while we are out, whereas before, we would have to walk back home to get one.

"Life is much better now, whereas before, it was just a struggle, and it felt like there was no end to it."

CAP ultimately helped Phil write off the majority of his debt and the income boost has made a "huge difference".

His partner Fiona could also be entitled to Carer's Allowance - worth an extra £307 a month.

Millions of people across the UK are missing out on an estimated £19billion in unclaimed benefits.

A DWP spokesperson said: "Every year our work coaches support millions of people across the country with benefits applications and tailored support to move into work.

"We encourage anyone who thinks they may be entitled to benefits to use the independent online calculators or visit their local Jobcentre to check their eligibility."

It comes as Lisa Salloway ended up spiralling into debt before discovering she was eligible for benefits.

While Joy Brown realised she might be eligible for Attendance Allowance after talking to a friend.

Who can get PIP?

PIP is for those over 16 and under the state pension age, currently 66.

Bear in mind, the state pension age is currently set to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046.

You also must have lived in England or Wales for at least two out of the last three years, and be in one of these countries when you apply.

Residents in Northern Ireland have to go through a different process, and there are additional rules if you live abroad or you're not a British citizen.

In Scotland you will need to apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead.

Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around - or both - for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you're terminally ill with less than 12 months to live).

Difficulties with daily living can include:

• Preparing or eating food
• Washing, bathing and using the toilet
• Dressing and undressing
• Reading and communicating
• Managing your medicines or treatments
• Making decisions about money
• Engaging with other people

You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment.

If you receive constant attendance allowance you will receive less of the daily living part of PIP.

If you get war pensioners' mobility supplement you will not get the mobility part of PIP.

Do I have to be in work to get PIP?

No, you can get PIP whether you're working or not.

You can also claim PIP if you're already getting limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) payments if you claim Universal Credit.

Households eligible for LCWRA payments usually have a health condition which prevents or limits their ability to work.

How much do I get from PIP?

PIP is made up of two parts and whether you get one or both of these depends on how severely your condition affects you.

You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around. The weekly rate for this is either £26.90 or £71.

While on the daily living part of PIP, the weekly rate is either £68.10 or £101.75 - and you could get both elements, so up to £172.75 in total.

You'll be assessed by a health professional to work out the level of help you can get and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you’re getting the right support.

Payments are usually made every four weeks directly into your bank account, and they're tax-free.

Just bear in mind that if you get PIP and constant attendance allowance or war pensioners' mobility supplement, the daily living part of your PIP will be reduced.

How do I apply for PIP?

You can make a new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim by calling the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 917 2222.

This is the Government department tasked with paying out benefits to millions every year.

There are also other ways to claim if you find it difficult to use a telephone. See Gov.UK for more information.

When you claim, you'll need:

• Your contact details
• Date of birth
• National Insurance number
• Bank or building society account number and sort code
• 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

Someone else can call on your behalf, but you'll need to be with them when they call.

You'll then be sent a form to fill in, after which you'll be invited for an assessment or your health or social care worker will be asked for information.

After this, you'll be sent a letter telling you if your claim has been successful.

You can read Citizens Advice's help on preparing for an assessment.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.

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