DWP employee says people who claim PIP can dodge 'reforms' under Labour

A former employee for the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has revealed how to protect your Personal Independence Payments from reforms. The DWP is set to reform PIP in a Back to Work push, with the new Labour Party government vowing to tackle joblessness.

The DWP has also mulled over bringing in changes to PIP payments themselves, with the old Conservative Party government debating reforms including the end of cash payments and a new voucher, catalogue or grant-based system being introduced instead.

Ahead of any shake up after Christmas, a former employee of 40 years told the Daily Record how PIP claimants can act. Sandra Wrench is urging new applicants to “keep a copy of the claim form they submit” as it could prove invaluable when the award is due to be reviewed.

READ MORE UK faces 'horror' 340-mile snow bomb that'll 'explode' over England this weekend

The DWP expert told 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. 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 Attendance Allowance claims she added: “It is advisable to get all your medical evidence sorted out before you start completing the form.” She said: “Once you have catalogued your medical history required for the claim you are halfway there.”

However, Sandra warned: “Do not try and complete the form in one sitting, as it can be mentally draining.” The welfare expert said the most important reason for keeping a copy of your original claim form is to 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”.

She continued: “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.”