UPDATE:  the following case study is relevant to frontier workers prior to Brexit, since then (and with the introduction of the UK Ireland Social Security Convention) PIP Daily Living Component is now classified as a Long term care benefit with no equivalent Irish benefit, therefore the new job should not affect the client’s PIP payment.

A  lady living in Armagh has recently taken a job across the border in Dundalk. She is in receipt of  UK Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Daily Living Component and the Mobility Component. She wishes to know if the new job will affect the PIP claim.

As a frontier worker the lady pays social insurance (PRSI) via her employer’s Irish payroll system which means that Ireland is responsible for her sickness benefit and invalidity benefits.

Under EU social security coordination rules, PIP Daily living Component is considered a UK sickness benefit.

As the UK is no longer responsible for her sickness benefits she is therefore no longer entitled to claim PIP Daily Living Component.  Notably, the Mobility Component doesn’t fall under the rules so it can still be paid to her (based on presence and habitual residence in NI).

It’s important to inform the Department for Communities of any cross-border employment or receipt of any Irish benefits at the outset of your PIP claim. It’s also important to inform them of a change in circumstances e.g. taking up a new cross-border job.

See also:

• UK Ireland Social Security Convention, effective 31 December 2020 (see page 11, long term care benefits)
• Border People – Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in NI

Source for advisors:

• CPAG Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook 2023/24Part 11: Immigration and residence rules for benefits and tax credits Chapter 71: European Union co-ordination rules4. Principles of co-ordination