It’s important to understand that ‘aid or appliance’ has a particular legal definition for the purposes of personal independence payment (PIP). The law states that "aid or appliance":
- means a device to improve, provide or replace a physical or mental function;
- includes a prosthesis; and
- does not include an aid or appliance ordinarily used by a person without a physical or mental condition which limits that person’s ability to carry out daily living or mobility activities.
Aid or appliance is relevant to a number of personal independence payment activities, including:
DAILY LIVING
- Preparing food
- Taking nutrition.
- Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition.
- Washing and bathing.
- Managing toilet needs or incontinence.
- Dressing and undressing.
- Communicating verbally.
- Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words.
MOBILITY
- Moving around.
