People on PIP may be able to backdate other benefits to the start of their award

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed to help people over the age of 16 and under State Pension age with the extra daily costs of living for around 547 health conditions or disabilities, which may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive, or any combination of these.

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that more than three million people across the UK, including 322,387 living in Scotland, are currently receiving between £24.45 and £156.90 per week to help with the additional costs of daily living and mobility needs.

However, an award for PIP may enable claimants to access means-tested benefits even if they have previously been told they are not eligible and according to guidance on the GOV.UK website, it may also be possible to backdate certain benefits to the start of their PIP award.

This is because entitlement to PIP provides a gateway or passport to other benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance, and schemes sponsored by other departments, such as the Blue Badge.