‘I used to work at DWP – here’s how to protect PIP | European Markets

A former Division for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee with over 4 a long time of expertise in handling State Pensions, working age, and incapacity advantages has shared some essential ideas that would help new claimants looking for further financial assist.

This steerage is also useful for present recipients because the tally of people receiving incapacity advantages corresponding to Private Independence Fee (PIP), Grownup Incapacity Fee (ADP), and Attendance Allowance hits unprecedented ranges all through Nice Britain. Current knowledge from the DWP and Social Safety Scotland exhibits that 3.6 million people at the moment are claiming PIP, close to 375,000 are on ADP, and over 1.6 million have been granted Attendance Allowance. With the surge in incapacity benefit claims, Sandra Wrench, a seasoned ex-DWP worker with 42 years underneath her belt, is advising newcomers to “keep a copy of the claim form they submit” – a step that may very well be important when it is time for his or her award review.

Whereas online functions for PIP (subject to your postcode), ADP, and Attendance Allowance (with a weekly cap) simplify the method of saving a copy in your personal laptop or laptop computer, these filling out a paper type ought to guarantee they photocopy the unique earlier than sending it off, reviews the Day by day Report.

If you happen to need the PIP 2 proof type – the health questionnaire accomplished earlier than your evaluation – do not hesitate to achieve out to the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 for a copy. Possessing this doc is essential when going through future evaluations for PIP or in case you are transitioning to the Social Safety Scotland system earlier than the close of 2025.

The shape is not simply a document of your previous solutions relating to every day dwelling and mobility; it is also a very important software for delineating the present impacts of your situation, notably in case your health has modified and new challenges have emerged since your final analysis.

The DWP professional advised the Day by day Report: “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 mirrored on a case the place retaining a copy of the initial declare proved advantageous during a PIP review. She stated: “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.”

Concerning Attendance Allowance claims, she stated: “It is advisable to get all your medical evidence sorted out before you start completing the form.”

The daunting size of the incapacity benefit software type could be overwhelming, however Ms Wrench has shared some tricks to make the method smoother. She stated gathering your medical notes and important dates earlier than finishing the declare is essential.

She stated: “Once you have catalogued your medical history required for the claim you are halfway there.”

Nonetheless, she warned: “Do not try and complete the form in one sitting, as it can be mentally draining.”

She additionally highlighted the significance of protecting a copy of your unique declare type to keep away from inconsistencies during evaluations, which can result in additional scrutiny from the DWP. She stated: “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.”

Different methods to guard future incapacity benefit funds

Past documenting previous medical historical past, Ms Wrench advisable protecting a diary for all incapacity benefit claimants, which could be digital. A cell phone, laptop, or pill could be an efficient software for jotting down ‘dangerous days’ and noting vital occasions associated to your situation.

She urged creating a particular observe with the time and date for future reference at Private Independence Fee (PIP) evaluations or including it instantly into the calendar operate.

This is not a every day requirement however needs to be carried out as and when related to how your situation impacts you. This might embody on a regular basis duties that you just battle to finish independently, situations the place you overlook to take treatment, or moments of feeling down or pissed off on account of your situation.

You may additionally wish to take into account noting down any difficulties encountered whereas performing routine actions.

Protecting such notes or sustaining a diary could be notably helpful for people with fluctuating situations, as it may possibly facilitate the outline of ‘good days and dangerous days’ to healthcare professionals. It could possibly additionally help you monitor the frequency of vital health occasions, that are typically so common that they’re shortly forgotten.

It is equally essential to attend all medical appointments associated to your situation to make sure your data are present. This might additionally embrace periods like counselling or physiotherapy.

Reaching out to a charity with specialist information of your situation may additionally show useful, even when it is simply to verify that you just’re not lacking out on extra assist.

For these claiming ADP, you may cite a charity or an organisation from which you have sought advice or help relating to your health situation, long-term sickness, or incapacity as corroborative proof.

These strategies are simply a few ways in which people receiving Private Independence Fee (PIP), Grownup Dependency Fee (ADP) or Attendance Allowance can begin to safeguard their future fee award. Creating a personal proof path makes it simpler to recall particular situations of how their situation impacts them.

A profitable new declare for PIP or ADP is at present valued between £28.70 and £184.30 per week, equating to between £114.80 and £737.20 each four-week pay period. Extra info on making a new declare could be discovered right here.

A profitable new declare for Attendance Allowance is price both £72.65 (decrease charge) or £108.55 (increased charge) per week. As this benefit is usually paid each 4 weeks, this quantities to both £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period. Extra particulars on making a new declare could be discovered right here.