A former DWP employee has given her advice for PIP claimants (stock image) (Image: 10’000 Hours via Getty Images)
A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee with over 40 years of experience in dealing with State Pensions, working age and disability benefits has offered some insider tips that could assist individuals applying for additional financial support.
Sandra Wrench, a former employee with 42 years of experience in the welfare system, has advice for new and existing claimants alike. As the number of people receiving disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and continues to hit record highs across Great Britain, Sandra’s tips come at an important time.
The most recent data from the and Social Security Scotland reveals that there are now 3.6 million people claiming PIP, nearly 375,000 on ADP and over 1.6m receiving . As the number of disability benefit claimants skyrockets, Sandra has encouraged new applicants to “keep a copy of the claim form they submit” as it could be crucial when the award is due for review.
Online claims for (depending on your postcode), ADP and (limited number per week) can make it easier to save a copy to your home computer or laptop for future reference. But those completing a paper-based form should make a copy of the original document before submitting it.
If you don’t already have a copy of the PIP 2 evidence form – the health questionnaire you filled in before getting an assessment – contact the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 and ask them to send you one. Sandra has also advised claimants to keep a copy of their original Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) forms.
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Sandra had some crucial advice for claimants (Image: Getty)
The form is crucial for future reviews as it not only helps recall initial responses to daily living and mobility queries but also assists in detailing current impacts of one’s condition if health has deteriorated or new issues have arisen. Speaking to , Sandra said: “With PIP, and in some cases , 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.
“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.”
For those applying for , the expert recommended: “It is advisable to get all your medical evidence sorted out before you start completing the form.”
The application process can be lengthy, and having medical history and relevant dates for appointments or operations ready can significantly reduce the time needed to fill out the claim. Sandra concluded: “Once you have catalogued your medical history required for the claim you are halfway there.”
However, she cautioned: “Do not try and complete the form in one sitting, as it can be mentally draining.” The welfare expert highlighted the importance of keeping a copy of your original claim form to avoid giving “any conflicting evidence when it comes to a review, which may give reason to scrutinise your case further”.
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Protect your benefits payments with Sandra’s tips (Image: Getty)
She added: “Also if your claim is disallowed by and you seek help over this, the person looking at your case can see what you have put on the original form as to why it might have been disallowed.”
Other ways to protect your disability benefits
Keeping a diary
Using your mobile phone, computer, laptop or tablet can be a simple way to make notes of ‘bad days’ and recording key moments when something relating to your happened.
Taking notes of your health condition, particularly for those with fluctuating conditions, can be beneficial. It can help you describe ‘good days and bad days’ to healthcare professionals and track the frequency of significant health events.
Retain notes of appointments
It’s also crucial to keep up-to-date with any medical appointments related to your condition, including counselling or physiotherapy sessions. Contacting a charity that specialises in your condition could also be beneficial, ensuring you’re not missing out on additional support.
Remember who helped you
For those , listing a charity or organisation from which you’ve sought advice about your health condition, long-term illness, or disability can serve as supporting evidence.
A successful new claim for PIP or ADP is currently worth between £28.70 and £184.30 each week, equating to between £114.80 and £737.20 every four-week pay period. More information about making a new claim can be found here.
A successful new claim for can yield either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) per week. Given that the benefit is typically paid every four weeks, this equates to either £290.60 or £434.20 each pay period.