A charity has unveiled a new online tool designed to streamline the often difficult Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application process for disabled individuals and those with long-term health conditions who need financial help.
The Turn2us PIP Helper, developed in collaboration with PIP claimants and health charities, offers step-by-step guidance, award estimations, mental wellbeing resources, and crucial information to help with the process. Making a successful PIP claim can provide essential cash assistance to help with your daily living expenses.
According to Turn2us, one in three disabled people in the UK live in poverty and incur additional daily costs averaging £1,010 each month more than non-disabled households. Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), PIP provides up to £737.20 every four weeks to assist those with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition with extra daily living and/or mobility costs.
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However, Turn2Us highlights that the complex and often daunting application process results in £870 million going unclaimed annually due to incomplete claims or eligible individuals not receiving higher payments they are entitled to, reports the Daily Record.
The Turn2us PIP Helper has been developed to assist individuals in navigating the PIP process. It simplifies eligibility checks and potential award estimates, enhances claim accuracy, and reduces dropout rates by aiding users in understanding and effectively completing applications.
The tool also supports users’ 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.
PIP provides up to £737.20 every four weeks to assist those with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition
Key features of the Turn2us PIP Helper
Eligibility checker
The PIP Helper quickly determines if users are eligible to claim PIP, taking into account factors like residency and immigration status. For non-UK or Irish citizens, the tool provides guidance on exceptions that might apply, helping users understand their potential to qualify.
Likely award estimator
This feature guides users through questions on how their condition affects daily activities, based on PIP descriptors. 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
Recognising 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 preparation and decision guide
This 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
The tool 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.
The tool is usable for a wide range of people, including those with visual, auditory, and learning disabilities
Enhanced accessibility
The PIP Helper is designed to be fully accessible. It includes compatibility with screen readers, video captions, audio descriptions, and British Sign Language (BSL) support.
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.
“Health, disability and financial security are deeply connected, and we are committed to helping people access the support they urgently need.”
Michael Paul, head of engagement, Disability Rights UK (DRUK), said: “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.”
Stephen Buckley, head of information for Mind, said: “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.”