New DWP PIP tool launched which will help people claim up to £737 a month

A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Personal Independence Payment eligibility help tool has been launched by charity Turn2us. Nearly 1 in 3 Disabled people in the UK live in poverty, facing substantial additional living costs.

On average, these people face £1,010 more per month than non-disabled households. Turn2us, a leading UK charity tackling poverty and financial insecurity, has announced the launch of the Turn2us DWP PIP Helper, an innovative tool that simplifies the PIP application - worth £737 a month - process.

Michael Clarke, head of information programmes at Turn2us, said: "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.

READ MORE Exact date UK hammered by -9C 'snow bomb' which will last 'five days'

“Health, disability and financial security are deeply connected, and we are committed to helping people access the support they urgently need. A heartfelt thank you to players of the People's Postcode Lottery and Royal London for their invaluable support in making the launch of the PIP Helper possible.”

Stephen Buckley, head of information for Mind, added: “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. Next year the UK government will introduce broader health and disability policy reforms. We would urge them not to take forward the previous government’s proposals and instead to establish an independent commission led by disabled people to design the future of assessments.”

Jo, who lives with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and its long-term effects, helped build the tool alongside a group of PIP claimants. She said: “The Turn2us PIP Helper is fantastic because it’s created by people who’ve actually been through the system. It gives clear, practical advice that helps you understand how to frame your answers properly. The tool’s checklists and guidance turn an overwhelming process into something much more manageable.”

Alicia, who lives with bipolar disorder, added: “The PIP process is daunting – it can feel exhausting to keep explaining yourself when living with an invisible disability like mine. For people with hidden disabilities, the Turn2us PIP Helper is so valuable because it reassures you that you’re not alone. The guidance at each step and the focus on wellbeing are essential for those of us who find the process mentally challenging.”