Oldham gets the PIP

OLDHAMERS will be among the first in the country to claim a new benefit.

The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is designed to support disabled people to live independent lives.

PIP — which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for working-age claimants — can be claimed from today. The Bootle benefit centre will handle claims from Oldham.

Esther McVey, minister for disabled people said: “Disability Living Allowance is an outdated benefit introduced over 20 years ago.

“The new benefit is designed to better reflect today’s understanding of disability, particularly for people with mental health conditions.

“PIP will include a new assessment and regular reviews, something missing in the current system.”