DWP ex-worker shares key tips for everyone on PIP or other disability benefitsd

A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee has offered crucial advice to help people claim essential benefits. The ex-staff member, who worked with State Pension, working age and disability benefits for 42 years, believes this guidance could assist those making a new claim for additional financial support.

Currently, there are already 3.6 million individuals claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) alone, with others receiving a variety of benefits including Attendance Allowance and Housing Benefit. Many benefits are witnessing record levels of claims.

According to the latest figures from the DWP and Social Security Scotland, , there are now 3.6 million people claiming PIP. Additionally, over 1.6 million are receiving Attendance Allowance and, in Scotland, nearly 315,000 are on Adult Disability Payment.

With these increasing numbers, the former employee has outlined the dos and don'ts of making a claim to increase your chances of success. They emphasised the importance of claimants keeping a copy of the claim form they submit, which could be crucial when it's time for any award to be reviewed.

While online claims for PIP (depending on your postcode), ADP and Attendance Allowance (limited number per week) can be easily saved to your home computer or laptop, those applying via a paper-based form should make a copy before they submit it.

If you are missing , ring the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 to get a new one for your records - this could be essential in future benefit reviews, the expert advises. She says: "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."

She said for Attendance Allowance, it was important to have all medical evidence ready before you start as it could pay dividends in cutting the time needed to complete the extensive form.

She said: "Once you have catalogued your medical history required for the claim you are halfway there." And she advised: "Do not try and complete the form in one sitting, as it can be mentally draining."

She stressed the importance of keeping a copy of the original claim form, as it helps 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". Additionally, she noted: "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 can result in a weekly payment of between £28.70 and £184.30, which translates to £114.80 and £737.20 every four weeks. For Attendance Allowance, a successful new claim can yield a weekly payment of either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate), amounting to £290.60 or £434.20 every four weeks.