‘I used to work at DWP – here’s how to protect PIP and disability benefits’ (Image: Getty)
A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) worker with over four decades of experience in handling State Pensions, working age, and disability benefits has shared some crucial tips that could help new claimants seeking extra financial support.
This guidance could also be helpful for current recipients as the tally of individuals receiving disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), and Attendance Allowance hits unprecedented levels throughout Great Britain. Recent data from the DWP and Social Security Scotland shows that 3.6 million people are now claiming PIP, close to 375,000 are on ADP, and over 1.6 million have been granted Attendance Allowance. With the surge in disability benefit claims, Sandra Wrench, a seasoned ex-DWP employee with 42 years under her belt, is advising newcomers to “keep a copy of the claim form they submit” – a step that could be critical when it’s time for their award review.
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The tally of individuals receiving disability benefits from the DWP has hit unprecedented levels. (Image: Getty)
While online applications for PIP (subject to your postcode), ADP, and Attendance Allowance (with a weekly cap) simplify the process of saving a copy on your personal computer or laptop, those filling out a paper form should ensure they photocopy the original before sending it off, reports the Daily Record.
If you need the PIP 2 evidence form – the health questionnaire completed before your assessment – don’t hesitate to reach out to the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 for a copy. Possessing this document is crucial when facing future reviews for PIP or if you are transitioning to the Social Security Scotland system before the close of 2025.
The form isn’t just a record of your past answers regarding daily living and mobility; it’s also a vital tool for delineating the current impacts of your condition, particularly if your health has changed and new challenges have emerged since your last evaluation.
The DWP expert told the Daily Record: “With PIP, and in some cases Attendance Allowance, the claim is allowed for a certain period of time before it is reviewed, so it is handy to know what you put down on the original claim form.”
The specialist reflected on a case where retaining a copy of the initial claim proved advantageous during a PIP review. She said: “One lady I helped with her PIP claim, I got her to keep a copy of her original claim, which made it easier for her to complete her PIP review form when the time came. Your medical condition can sometimes change from the date you submitted your original claim.”
Regarding Attendance Allowance claims, she said: “It is advisable to get all your medical evidence sorted out before you start completing the form.”
The daunting length of the disability benefit application form can be overwhelming, but Ms Wrench has shared some tips to make the process smoother. She said gathering your medical notes and important dates before completing the claim is crucial.
She said: “Once you have catalogued your medical history required for the claim you are halfway there.”
However, she warned: “Do not try and complete the form in one sitting, as it can be mentally draining.”
She also highlighted the importance of keeping a copy of your original claim form to avoid inconsistencies during reviews, which may lead to further scrutiny from the DWP. She said: “The most important reason for keeping a copy of your original claim form is to ensure that you ‘do not give any conflicting evidence when it comes to a review, which may give DWP reason to scrutinise your case further’.”
She added: “Also if your claim is disallowed by DWP and you seek help over this, the person looking at your case can see what you put on the original form and why it might have been disallowed.”
Other ways to protect future disability benefit payments
Beyond documenting past medical history, Ms Wrench recommended keeping a diary for all disability benefit claimants, which can be electronic. A mobile phone, computer, or tablet can be an effective tool for jotting down ‘bad days’ and noting significant events related to your condition.
She suggested creating a specific note with the time and date for future reference at Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reviews or adding it directly into the calendar function.
This isn’t a daily requirement but should be done as and when relevant to how your condition affects you. This could encompass everyday tasks that you struggle to complete independently, instances where you forget to take medication, or moments of feeling down or frustrated due to your condition.
You might also want to consider noting down any difficulties encountered while performing routine activities.
Keeping such notes or maintaining a diary can be particularly useful for individuals with fluctuating conditions, as it can facilitate the description of ‘good days and bad days’ to healthcare professionals. It can also help you track the frequency of significant health events, which are sometimes so regular that they are quickly forgotten.
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It’s equally crucial to attend all medical appointments related to your condition to ensure your records are current. This could also include sessions like counselling or physiotherapy.
Reaching out to a charity with specialist knowledge of your condition could also prove beneficial, even if it’s just to confirm that you’re not missing out on additional support.
For those claiming ADP, you can cite a charity or an organisation from which you’ve sought advice or assistance regarding your health condition, long-term illness, or disability as corroborative evidence.
These suggestions are just a few ways that individuals receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Dependency Payment (ADP) or Attendance Allowance can start to safeguard their future payment award. Creating a personal evidence trail makes it easier to recall specific instances of how their condition impacts them.
A successful new claim for PIP or ADP is currently valued between £28.70 and £184.30 per week, equating to between £114.80 and £737.20 every four-week pay period. More information on making a new claim can be found here.
A successful new claim for Attendance Allowance is worth either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) per week. As this benefit is typically paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 each pay period. More details on making a new claim can be found here.
