DWP insider warns people on PIP or Attendance Allowance 'do not try'

An insider who works for the Labour Party government inside the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has spoken out over how to ensure your claim for Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is maximised.

The DWP insider explained as more and more people claim benefits: "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."

They said: "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."

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"It is advisable to get all your medical evidence sorted out before you start completing the form," they told the Daily Record. "Once you have catalogued your medical history required for the claim you are halfway there." She warned: "Do not try and complete the form in one sitting, as it can be mentally draining."

"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," she said. She warned against "giving any conflicting evidence when it comes to a review, which may give DWP reason to scrutinise your case further".

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have both a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability or difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition.

You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits. Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.