Former DWP worker advises on defending PIP and different advantages

A former DWP employee with over 40 years experience has shared some insider tips to help those on a wide range of benefits that could help those applying for financial aid

A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee, with over four decades of experience in dealing with State Pensions, working age and disability benefits, has offered some insider advice that could assist those applying for additional financial aid. This guidance could also be beneficial to existing claimants, as the number of individuals receiving disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and Attendance Allowance continues to hit record highs across Great Britain.

The most recent data from the DWP and Social Security Scotland reveals that there are currently 3.6 million people claiming PIP, nearly 375,000 on ADP, and over 1.6 million receiving Attendance Allowance. As the number of disability benefit claimants skyrockets, Sandra Wrench, a former employee with 42 years of experience in the welfare system, is encouraging new applicants to “keep a copy of the claim form they submit”, as it could be crucial when the award is up for review.

Online claims for PIP (depending on your postcode), ADP and Attendance Allowance (limited number per week) can make it easier to save a copy to your home computer or laptop for future reference. However, 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.

Keeping a copy of your original claim form could be a game-changer for those navigating the choppy waters of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reviews or transitioning to the Social Security Scotland system before the end of 2025. This nifty document is not just a memory jogger for what you scribbled down about daily living and mobility; it’s a vital tool to articulate how your condition has evolved, particularly if your health has taken a nosedive or new issues have cropped up, reports the Daily Record.

An expert from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) conveyed to the Daily Record the practicality of retaining the initial paperwork: “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.”

They shared a success story, too: “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.”

READ MORE: Energy price cap explained as Ofgem announces third hike in just six monthsREAD MORE: DWP announces benefits and support for those hit by redundancy purge since NI hike

When it comes to Attendance Allowance claims, the expert advised: “It is advisable to get all your medical evidence sorted out before you start completing the form.”

She highlighted the length of the application form and underscored the importance of gathering all your medical records and key dates for check-ups or surgeries beforehand to slash the time spent on the claim. She concluded with a tip: “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 guru emphasised the crucial reason to keep a copy of your original claim form is so 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 have put on the original form as to why it might have been disallowed.”

READ MORE: DWP chief says 1.3million workers who go sick ‘will be £100 per week better off’READ MORE: DWP introduces new PIP support for those with muscle and joint conditions

Tips to safeguard future disability benefit payments include keeping a diary, which is an essential tool for all disability benefit claimants. It doesn’t have to be on paper; using your phone, computer, laptop, or tablet can make it easy to jot down ‘bad days’ and note significant events related to your condition. You can create a specific note with the time and date to mention at a future PIP review, or simply add it to your calendar.

This record-keeping doesn’t need to be daily, just when something relevant to your condition occurs, like struggling with everyday tasks, forgetting medication, or feeling down due to your condition. Remember to also take note if doing everyday things becomes a challenge.

Keeping a diary or taking notes is a useful strategy for individuals with fluctuating health conditions, as it can help articulate the ‘good days and bad days’ to healthcare professionals. It also allows you to track the frequency of significant health events that may be easily forgotten due to their regularity.

It’s crucial to attend all medical appointments related to your condition to keep your records current, which could include counselling or physiotherapy sessions. Contacting a charity with expertise in your condition could also be beneficial, ensuring you’re not missing out on additional support.

For those claiming ADP, 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. These are just a few ways individuals on PIP, ADP or Attendance Allowance can safeguard their future payment award by creating a personal evidence trail, making it easier to recall specific examples of how their condition impacts them.

A successful new claim for PIP or ADP is currently worth between £28.70 and £184.30 per 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 Attendance Allowance 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. More information about making a new claim can be found here.