A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee with over 40 years of experience handling State Pension, working age, and disability benefits has shared valuable insider tips for individuals making new claims for additional financial support. As the number of people receiving disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance reaches record highs across Great Britain, these tips could be crucial.
According to the latest figures from the DWP, there are now 3.6 million PIP claimants and over 1.6 million Attendance Allowance recipients. Sandra Wrench, an ex-employee with 42 years of experience in the welfare system, advises new applicants to "keep a copy of the claim form they submit" as it may prove invaluable when the award is due for review.
For online claims, such as PIP (depending on postcode) and Attendance Allowance (limited number per week), it is easier to save a copy to a home computer or laptop. However, for those completing paper-based forms, it is essential to make a copy before submitting it.
If you do not have a copy of your PIP 2 evidence form, which is the health questionnaire completed before an assessment, you can contact the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 and request one. An expert from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has stressed the importance of keeping a copy of your original claim form for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
This document can serve as a crucial reference for future reviews and allow you to accurately track any changes in your condition that may have developed over time. The DWP specialist shared: "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.", reports the Daily Record.
They recounted the experience of assisting a woman with her PIP renewal, noting, "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 Attendance Allowance, the DWP advisor recommended, "It is advisable to get all your medical evidence sorted out before you start completing the form."
They highlighted that preparing your medical history in advance can simplify the application process, adding: "Once you have catalogued your medical history required for the claim you are halfway there."
However, Sandra 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 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 have put on the original form as to why it might have been disallowed."
A successful new claim for PIP could fetch between £28.70 and £184.30 each week, equating to between £114.80 and £737.20 every four-week pay period.
A successful new claim for Attendance Allowance could earn either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week and as the benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period.
