The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to people applying for benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance. The advice concerns claims management companies and other organisations that charge people to complete benefit applications.
The warning follows a parliamentary question about organisations that provide fee-paying or no-win-no-fee assistance with benefit claims. The government says claimants should consider their options carefully because free help and guidance are available.
For people who need support with a claim, the message is straightforward: paying a company is not a requirement for applying for PIP or Attendance Allowance.
Warning
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (Equalities), responded to a parliamentary question from Samantha Niblett, Labour MP for South Derbyshire.
The question raised concerns about organisations completing applications for benefits such as PIP and Attendance Allowance that may contain inaccurate information. It also asked whether regulation should be extended to protect vulnerable applicants.
Sir Stephen Timms said the government was aware of the increase in claims management companies that charge fees. He advised claimants to “think very carefully” before using such services.
He also pointed out that free help, support and advice are widely available, meaning claimants do not have to pay for assistance with their applications.
Support
Citizens Advice provides free information about PIP, including guidance on the points system and help with completing forms.
Its advisers can also provide support if a claimant wants to challenge a decision or appeal after an application has been refused.
This can be particularly useful because PIP decisions are based on how a person’s health condition or disability affects specific daily living and mobility activities. Providing accurate information about those difficulties is therefore an important part of the application.
The government has also said it remains committed to protecting claimants from poor-quality, misleading or exploitative practices. The DWP is monitoring the situation and considering whether additional measures are needed.
Process
There are several stages to making a PIP claim.
First, a claimant normally contacts the DWP and provides information to begin the claim. Citizens Advice says this initial PIP1 stage can be completed on the claimant’s behalf over the phone.
If the basic eligibility requirements are met, the DWP will normally ask the claimant to complete a PIP2 form. This can be completed by post or, where available, through an online form.
The final stage may involve a medical assessment. The assessment is used alongside the information provided in the claim when determining eligibility.
The entire process can take several months. Citizens Advice says it can take up to six months from the initial contact with the DWP to receiving the first payment.
If the claim is successful, PIP is generally paid from the date the claim was submitted, subject to the relevant rules.
Claims
People who want to make a PIP claim can contact the DWP directly. Calling is generally the quickest way to begin a claim rather than writing to the department.
Claimants should have basic information available, including their full name, address, telephone number and National Insurance number.
PIP is designed to help with some additional living costs associated with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. A person may qualify if their condition makes certain everyday activities or mobility difficult.
Importantly, PIP is not restricted to people who are out of work. A person can potentially receive PIP while working, having savings or receiving other benefits, depending on their circumstances.
Payments
PIP has two separate components: a daily living component and a mobility component.
The daily living component is intended for people who have difficulties with activities such as preparing food, washing, dressing, communicating or managing certain aspects of daily life.
The mobility component relates to difficulties with getting around or planning and following journeys.
A claimant may qualify for one component or both. The amount depends on how their condition affects them under the relevant assessment criteria.
This is why applicants should describe their actual difficulties accurately rather than relying on general descriptions of a diagnosis. The practical impact of a condition is an important part of the assessment.
Attendance
Attendance Allowance is a separate benefit aimed at people who have reached State Pension age and have a disability or health condition that means they need help with personal care or supervision.
Unlike PIP, Attendance Allowance does not include a mobility component.
There are also special rules and a separate process for people who are nearing the end of life because of a life-limiting illness. In those circumstances, claims can generally be handled more quickly.
Anyone considering an Attendance Allowance claim should check the current eligibility and application guidance before applying.
Accuracy
The DWP’s warning makes accuracy particularly important.
A person completing a benefit application should make sure the information reflects their circumstances honestly and completely. Paying someone to prepare a claim does not guarantee that the application will be successful, and inaccurate information could create problems later.
Claimants should also understand what they are paying for before agreeing to a commercial service. The government’s position is that free sources of support are available, including Citizens Advice and official government guidance.
For people who are unsure about the process, seeking independent advice can be a sensible first step before paying a claims management company.
The DWP’s latest statement does not mean that every organisation charging for assistance is necessarily unsuitable. Rather, it is a reminder that claimants should carefully consider whether they need to pay for help when free support is available. PIP and Attendance Allowance applications can be complicated, particularly for people dealing with illness or disability, but applicants have access to official information and free advice. Taking time to understand the process and providing accurate details can help ensure that a claim properly reflects the support a person needs.
