New charity ‘PIP Helper’ to aid people in claiming up to £737 each month

A leading UK charity has launched a new online tool to simplify the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application process for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. The Turn2us PIP Helper, developed in collaboration with PIP claimants and health charities, offers step-by-step guidance, award estimations, mental wellbeing resources, and essential information.

According to Turn2us, one in three disabled people in the UK live in poverty and face additional daily costs of £1,010 on average each month compared to non-disabled households. Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), PIP provides up to £737.20 every four weeks to help people with disabilities or long-term illnesses cover extra daily living and/or mobility costs.

However, Turn2Us claims that the complex application process results in £870 million going unclaimed each year due to incomplete applications or eligible individuals not receiving the higher payments they're entitled to.

The Turn2us PIP Helper is a tool designed to guide individuals through the process of claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). It simplifies eligibility checks, improves claim accuracy and reduces dropout rates by helping users understand and complete applications effectively.

The tool also supports mental wellbeing with videos and reminders that reduce stigma and isolation, ultimately enhancing financial security and closing the income gap for disabled people across the UK, reports the Daily Record.

Below is a breakdown on some of the key features included in the tool...

Eligiblity checker

For non-UK or Irish citizens, the tool provides guidance on exceptions that might apply, helping users understand their potential to qualify. This feature guides users through questions on how their condition affects daily activities, based on PIP descriptors.

Award estimator

By clarifying how each user's needs align with PIP's criteria, it provides an estimated award. Users can save their progress by creating an account, enabling them to revisit and update their responses comfortably at their own pace.

Personalised form tips

Personalised form tips recognise that the PIP application form is the primary evidence used to determine entitlement, the PIP Helper provides tailored tips for completing it. This feature addresses common difficulties claimants face and offers personalised guidance for each question based on the user's responses.

This ensures users submit accurate and clear information, improving their chances of a successful claim.

Assessment prep

Assessment preparation and decision guide provides clear guidance on what to expect during assessments, whether in-person, online, by phone, or at home. It also helps users interpret decision letters and outlines next steps, including options for reconsideration and appeals, with links to additional support.

Wellbeing and rights information

Wellbeing and rights information prioritises users' mental wellbeing with resources developed in partnership with the UK mental health charity, Mind. It also informs users of their legal rights to support confident decision-making and reduce stress throughout the PIP application process.

Enhanced accessibility

The PIP Helper, a resource created to be fully inclusive, supports users with varying requirements, offering screen reader compatibility, video captions, audio descriptions, and British Sign Language (BSL) services. Intended to be useful for individuals with visual, auditory, and learning impairments, the tool was built to facilitate easier access to assistance.

Turn2us's head of information programmes, Michael Clarke, commented: "The Turn2us PIP Helper was developed in response to the significant barriers many people face in accessing support. Built over two years with direct input from PIP claimants, this tool addresses those barriers head-on."

He further stressed the link between health, disability and financial stability, underscoring the organisation's commitment to aiding people in obtaining the necessary support.

Michael Paul, the head of engagement at Disability Rights UK (DRUK), shared his perspective: "DRUK is proud to be project partners in the creation of the Turn2us PIP Helper. By sharing the excellent Turn2us PIP Helper as widely as possible, and playing a part in its continuous improvement, we will ensure as many Disabled people as possible can access the appropriate PIP award."

Echoing these sentiments, Stephen Buckley, who heads Mind's information sector, stated: "The benefits system should be there for all of us when we need it most. Right now, too many people are having their mental health problems compounded by the very system which should be helping them."

"PIP can make a huge difference to people's lives, but many find the application process difficult. The length of the form and the language used in it can act as a barrier, particularly for people applying for mental health reasons."

"We're pleased to have worked with Turn2Us to address those issues with this online tool, which we hope will help more people applying for PIP get the support they need. It is also vital that people with lived experience of mental health problems were put at the heart of developing the tool."

The Turn2us PIP Helper can be accessed online here.