FORMER DWP EMPLOYEE SHARES ESSENTIAL ADVICE FOR SAFEGUARDING DISABILITY BENEFITS
A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) insider with over four decades of expertise in State Pensions, working age, and disability benefits has revealed some expert advice that could aid individuals applying for additional financial support. With the number of people receiving disability benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), and Attendance Allowance hitting record levels across Great Britain, these tips could be a lifeline for many.
The most recent data from the DWP and Social Security Scotland indicate that 3.6 million people are now claiming PIP, around 375,000 are on ADP, and over 1.6 million receive Attendance Allowance.
Sandra Wrench, who has 42 years of welfare system experience, advises new claimants to "keep a copy of the claim form they submit" since it will be invaluable during the award's review period. For PIP (dependent on postcode), ADP, and Attendance Allowance claims—which have a limited number available each week—submitting online can make it simpler to save a copy on your personal computer or laptop.
However, those filling out paper forms are urged to create a photocopy of the original document before posting it off. If you lack a duplicate of the pivotal PIP 2 evidence form—the health questionnaire completed prior to an assessment—it’s advisable to request one by contacting the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433, reports the Daily Record.
Keeping a copy of your original claim form can be crucial for future reviews for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) if you're set to switch to the Social Security Scotland system before the end of 2025. The form serves as a reminder of your initial answers to daily living and mobility queries, but it's also vital for detailing how your condition currently affects you, particularly if there have been changes in your health or new issues have arisen.
A DWP expert shared with 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."
They recounted an instance where keeping a copy of the original claim proved beneficial: "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 expert advised: "It is advisable to get all your medical evidence sorted out before you start completing the form."
They highlighted the importance of organizing medical records and information, including dates for appointments or surgeries, to streamline 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 emphasised 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."
Other ways to safeguard future disability benefit payments include keeping a diary. This doesn't need to be a paper-based document - using your mobile phone, computer, laptop or tablet can be a simple way to make notes of 'bad days' and record key moments related to your condition. Creating a specific note, with the time and date, where you can add things you might want to mention at a future PIP review, or just 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 difficult to do on your own, forgetting to take medication, or feeling low or frustrated as a result of your condition.
Other things to consider taking a note of would be if doing everyday things:
- Were painful for you
- Take you a long time
- Puts you or someone else in danger
- Makes you feel breathless
- Makes you unsteady
This method of note-taking or diary keeping is particularly useful for individuals with fluctuating conditions, as it can assist in explaining 'good days and bad days' to healthcare professionals. It also allows you to track the frequency of significant health events, which are often so regular that they are quickly forgotten.
It's crucial to keep all medical appointments related to your condition to ensure your records are current. This could include counselling or physiotherapy sessions. Contacting a charity with expert knowledge of your condition might be beneficial, even if it's just to ensure you're not missing out on additional support. For those claiming ADP, you can cite a charity or organisation from which you've sought advice about your health condition, long-term illness, or disability, as supporting evidence.
These suggestions are just a few ways people on PIP, ADP or Attendance Allowance can start safeguarding their future payment award by creating a personal evidence trail that makes recalling specific examples of how their condition affects them easier. 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.
2025-03-05T11:34:15Z