PIP: ‘Crucial’ evidence claimants may wish to include to make a successful claim from DWP | Personal Finance | Finance
PIP is a benefit which is delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and is awarded to people who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and are typically under state pension age. PIP is made up of two components called the Daily Living Component and the Mobility Component, and this is paid at either the standard rate or the enhanced rate. For daily living, people could receive either £61.85 a week or £92.40 and for mobility, the rates sit at £24.45 and £64.50.
Supporting evidence can come in the form of a statement from a carer, friend or family member, a daily routine diary and personal statement, and medical evidence.
The charity suggests if a person’s condition or disability can fluctuate, with good days and bad days, then it will help if people keep a daily diary.
People can record their daily diaries any way they like, such as in a physical diary or on the computer or on the notes app on their mobile phone.
Mental Health and Money Advice state the most important aspect is to clearly mark each entry for a day and date, with clear descriptions of the effects of the disability or condition.
People should aim to mention how the condition/disability impacts their daily life and the help someone needs.
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It is also recommended people describe how they have adapted their daily life, with things such as chair lifts, walking sticks, stools etc., to cope with their condition.
According to the charity, medical evidence is “crucial” when applying for PIP.
It usually takes the form of a letter/report from someone’s healthcare professional such as their GP, psychiatrist, consultant, or specialist nurse.
In these reports, a person’s medical professionals can explain exactly what the condition is, what a person’s treatment consists of and how the condition affects their everyday life.
However, the charity warns not all healthcare professionals are able or willing to write supporting letters, and they are not obliged to do so.
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The charity stated it is worth asking them and “stressing” how it could help the claim.
It added: “If you needed help getting evidence, from a relative or friend, the process has affected your mental or physical health in any way, make sure you explain this on your PIP form.”
People may also have to pay a fee to their healthcare provider for writing the report.
Medical evidence should also be included in a PIP claim, and medical evidence which could help can include prescriptions, which show medication a person has been prescribed and letters which explain how doctor appointments went.
People can start their PIP application through the Government’s website and people will be sent the forms which ask them about their condition.
In order to claim, the Government website states Britons will need to have their contact number, date of birth, National Insurance number, and their bank or building society account number and sort code.
People will also need their doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number, dates and addresses for any time they’ve spent in a care home or hospital, and dates for any time they spent abroad for more than four weeks at a time, and the countries they visited.
Once the form has been completed, some people may need to have an assessment, if more information is needed.
