A charity has launched a new tool to help people claim successful £737 Personal Independence Payments. A team of experienced PIP claimants worked together with national anti-poverty charity Turn2us to make a free, confidential tool.
Turn2Us says: “Rest assured, we’re separate from the DWP, and your privacy is very important. What you share with us stays with us. We’ve been through the PIP process ourselves and know how tough it can be. Many of us struggled to find the right information and understand our rights.
“We’re here to ensure your journey is smoother. Turn2us saw that many people aren’t getting what they should. Their goal, and ours too, is to make sure you know your rights and can afford what you need to enjoy life fully.”
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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.”