DWP officials say no changes will be made to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) until a review of the current assessment process is finished
A former DWP worker has issued important advice for benefits claimants. The tips could assist people making a new claim for PIP, ADP and other disability benefits.
It comes as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently declared that no changes will be made to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) until a review of the current assessment process is finished. The review, expected to be completed by next autumn, will be co-produced by Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms alongside disabled groups and charities.
Last month, the Scottish Government said people who are on disability benefits in Scotland will not be affected by any changes to PIP. The Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has now taken over from the DWP benefit for all new and existing claimants with a Scottish postcode.
Now, the former DWP employee with over 40 years of experience dealing with State Pensions, working age and disability benefits has offered some insider tips to claimants.
Sandra Wrench, a former employee with 42 years’ experience within the welfare system, is advising fresh applicants to “keep a copy of the claim form they submit” as it could prove crucial when their award faces review.
Digital applications for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and Attendance Allowance (restricted numbers weekly) can simply save a copy to your personal computer or laptop for later use, though people completing paper forms should photocopy the original document prior to submission.
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. Having this copy will help you with future PIP reviews, or ADP should you be scheduled to transfer to the Social Security Scotland framework before 2025 ends, reports the Daily Record.
The document can refresh your memory regarding the initial answers you provided to daily living and mobility queries, yet crucially, it can assist you in explaining how your condition impacts you presently – particularly if your situation has altered and your health has deteriorated or you’ve developed additional problems.
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.
“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 Attendance Allowance claims she added: “It is advisable to get all your medical evidence sorted out before you start completing the form.” The reason for this is all due to the lengthy nature of the application form – with the expert having explained how collecting all your medical records and details along with relevant dates for appointments or operations in advance can reduce the time needed to finish the claim.
She said: “Once you have catalogued your medical history required for the claim you are halfway there.” Nevertheless, Sandra cautioned: “Do not try and complete the form in one sitting, as it can be mentally draining.”
The benefits expert said the most crucial reason for retaining 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 continued: “Also if your claim is disallowed by DWP 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 methods to safeguard future disability benefit payments
Keeping a diary is a crucial tool for all disability benefit claimants, and it doesn’t have to be a traditional paper-based journal. Utilising your mobile phone, computer, laptop or tablet can be an easy way to jot down ‘bad days’ and record significant moments related to your condition.
Creating a specific note, complete with the time and date, allows you to add things you might want to mention at a future PIP review, or simply adding it to the calendar function.
This isn’t something that needs to be done daily, just things that are relevant to how your condition affects you. This could include everyday tasks you found challenging to do on your own, forgetting to take medication, or feeling low or frustrated as a result of your condition.