The UK Government has announced plans to bring forward measures to overhaul the health and disability benefits system so it better supports people to enter and remain in work and to tackle the spiralling benefits bill. A consultation will be published in the Spring as part of a commitment to put the views and voices of disabled people at the heart of any policy changes that directly affect them.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the driving purpose behind the new ‘Get Britain Working White Paper’ is to enable everyone to have the opportunity of secure, rewarding and fulfilling work. The announcement is bound to cause more uncertainty for millions of people with a health condition currently claiming benefits such as Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
However, a former employee at the DWP with over 40 years experience dealing with State Pensions, working age and disability benefits has shared some insider tips which could help people ‘protect’ their payment award from any future changes.
The latest figures from the DWP and Social Security Scotland show there are now 3.6 million people claiming PIP, nearly 315,000 on ADP and over 1.6m receiving Attendance Allowance.
As the number of claimants continues to soar, Sandra wrench, an ex-employee with 42 years experience of the welfare system is urging new applicants to “keep a copy of the claim form they submit” as it could prove invaluable when the award is due to be reviewed.
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, but for people completing a paper-based form should make a copy before submitting it.
If you don’t already have a copy of your 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 a copy of this will help you with any future reviews for PIP, or ADP if you are due to transfer to the Social Security Scotland system before the end of 2025.
The form can help remind you of the original responses you gave to the daily living and mobility questions, but more importantly, it can help you explain how your condition affects you now – especially if your circumstances have changed and your health has declined or you have developed other issues.
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.”
This is due to the length of the application form and explained how gathering all your medical notes and information along with relevant dates for appointments or operations beforehand can cut down the time it takes to complete the claim. She said: “Once you have catalogued your medical history required for the claim you are halfway there.”
However, Sandra warned: “Do not try and complete the form in one sitting, as it can be mentally draining.”
The welfare expert said 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 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.”
A successful new claim for PIP or ADP is worth between £28.70 and £184.30 each week, which amounts to between £114.80 and £737.20 every four-week pay period. Find out more about making a new claim here.
A successful new claim for Attendance Allowance is worth 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. Find out more about making a new claim here.