Charities have launched a new PIP application help tool to support people with claiming the benefit.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is distributed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and is targeted at people who need extra help with daily tasks or getting around due to long-term illness, disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions.
The benefit can be worth up to £9,583.60 per year at its highest rate, which can provide a significant boost to eligible individuals’ monthly income.
However, charity Turn2Us argues that the complex and often overwhelming application process leads to thousands going without the support every year. According to the National Audit Office, £870million in PIP went unclaimed between 2023/24.
This is due to uncompleted claims or individuals being eligible for higher payments but not receiving them.
The Turn2us PIP Helper, which was created in partnership with PIP claimants and health charities, aims to guide people through the process with greater ease.
Michael Clarke, head of information programmes at Turn2us, commented: “The Turn2us PIP Helper was developed in response to the significant barriers many people face in accessing support.
“Built over two years with direct input from PIP claimants, this tool addresses those barriers head-on. Health, disability and financial security are deeply connected, and we are committed to helping people access the support they urgently need.
“A heartfelt thank you to Royal London for their invaluable support in making the launch of the PIP Helper possible.”
Michael Paul, head of engagement, Disability Rights UK (DRUK), said: “DRUK is proud to be project partners in the creation of the Turn2us PIP Helper.
“PIP is meant to cover the extra costs associated with a disability or health condition. However, the application process is hugely bureaucratic, as are the two stages of the extremely backlogged appeals process.
“As a result, PIP goes unclaimed by many thousands of Disabled people every year, while thousands more are awarded lower rates than they should be. By sharing the excellent Turn2us PIP Helper as widely as possible, and playing a part in its continuous improvement, we will ensure as many Disabled people as possible can access the appropriate PIP award.”
Jo, who lives with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and its long-term effects, helped build the tool alongside a group of PIP claimants. She said: “The Turn2us PIP Helper is fantastic because it’s created by people who’ve actually been through the system.
“It gives clear, practical advice that helps you understand how to frame your answers properly. The tool’s checklists and guidance turn an overwhelming process into something much more manageable.”
Alicia, who lives with bipolar disorder, added: “The PIP process is daunting – it can feel exhausting to keep explaining yourself when living with an invisible disability like mine.
“For people with hidden disabilities, the Turn2us PIP Helper is so valuable because it reassures you that you’re not alone. The guidance at each step and the focus on wellbeing are essential for those of us who find the process mentally challenging.”
Some key features of the tool include an eligibility checker and a “likely award” calculator, as well as personalised tips, an assessment preparation and decision guide, and wellbeing and rights information.
The tool is also designed to be “fully accessible” for a wide range of people, including those with visual, auditory, and learning disabilities.
Stephen Buckley, head of information for mental health charity Mind, commented: “The benefits system should be there for all of us when we need it most. Right now, too many people are having their mental health problems compounded by the very system which should be helping them. PIP can make a huge difference to people’s lives, but many find the application process difficult. The length of the form and the language used in it can act as a barrier, particularly for people applying for mental health reasons.
“We’re pleased to have worked with Turn2Us to address those issues with this online tool, which we hope will help more people applying for PIP get the support they need.”
