A new tool to help people claim personal independence payments (PIP) has been launched by the anti-poverty charity Turn2us, aiming to simplify the complex application process for individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Statistics show nearly £900 million worth of this benefit is going unclaimed every year, largely due to the intricacies and challenges associated with applying.
The Turn2us PIP Helper was developed after two years of collaboration with individuals who have experienced the application process firsthand. This innovative tool is set to provide clear guidance on eligibility, award estimations, and mental wellbeing support, with the goal of easing the burden faced by applicants. It is particularly significant since nearly one out of three disabled people within the UK are struggling with poverty, dealing with additional daily costs averaging £1,010 more compared to non-disabled households.
PIP is intended to assist those facing extra living costs due to disabilities or health issues and offers payments ranging from £28.70 to £184.30 each week. Applicants must initially contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) helpline, fill out extensive forms, and may also be required to attend medical assessments.
For those engaging with the system, the application process can feel overwhelming. Jo, who assisted in the creation of the PIP Helper, experienced the difficulties intimately. A 55-year-old retired counsellor from Somerset, Jo has faced significant health challenges, including chronic myeloid leukaemia and subsequent complications. Her personal struggle with the PIP application process motivated her to help develop the new tool. Jo described her experience as “mentally draining,” mentioning how miscommunication and logistical challenges turned what should be straightforward assessments quite complicated.
One of the standout features of the Turn2us PIP Helper is the eligibility checker, which swiftly assesses potential qualification for PIP, including scenarios for non-UK and Irish citizens. The tool also includes a likely award estimator, guiding users through inquiries related to their daily activities to generate estimated awards based on their circumstances.
Further enhancing the tool's utility, personalized form tips help applicants accurately fill out the necessary PIP form, addressing common obstacles faced during the application process. Users are able to save their progress within the tool, allowing them the flexibility to return and continue their applications at their own pace, thereby reducing the stress associated with meeting application deadlines.
Accessibility is another focal point. The PIP Helper has been crafted to be user-friendly for those with varying needs right from its conception. Features include compatibility for screen readers, audio descriptions, video captions, and support for British Sign Language (BSL), ensuring the tool reaches as many individuals as possible.
Despite the helpfulness of the new PIP Helper, numerous barriers still exist for disability benefit claimants. Michael Clarke, head of information programmes at Turn2us, highlighted the significant issue of unclaimed payments, estimating approximately £870 million goes unclaimed each year, contributing to the challenges many individuals face. He shared, "Health, disability, and financial security are deeply connected, and we are committed to helping people access the support they urgently need. This tool addresses those barriers head-on."
Michael Paul, head of engagement at Disability Rights UK, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Thousands of disabled people go without their rightful PIP entitlement each year, and we have to share this tool widely to make sure as many can access appropriate support."
With this newfound tool, claimants will hopefully find the PIP application process less complicated, more transparent, and less stressful. Through addressing the barriers, the aim is to increase claim success rates and help mitigate some of the socio-economic challenges faced by disabled individuals across the UK.
Statements from DWP representatives confirm the importance of accessibility within the welfare system, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the provisions are easily navigable for those who depend on them. It's evident from the collaborative efforts involved with the Turn2us PIP Helper, such as the input from people like Jo who know the system inside out, the need to place lived experiences at the center of any effective transformation of the application process.
Though significant strides are being made with tools like the PIP Helper, the dialogue surrounding welfare reform remains active. Advocates continue to urge the government not only to listen to those engaged with their systems but to create frameworks led by disabled voices. This ensures policies and assistance frameworks are genuinely supportive and effective for those who rely on them.
