Benefits and money

Official government guidance on Personal Independence Payment. Eligibility depends on having a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and experiencing difficulty with specific everyday activities or getting around. PIP can be claimed by people who are working or have savings. The claim process usually involves starting the claim, completing a form describing how the condition affects daily life and, where needed, having an assessment.

Official eligibility guidance for Personal Independence Payment. A person generally needs to be aged 16 or over, have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, have difficulty with certain everyday tasks or getting around, and expect those difficulties to last for at least 12 months from when they started. New claims are usually made below State Pension age. PIP can still be claimed while working or having savings. Scotland uses Adult Disability Payment instead of PIP for new claims.

Independent Citizens Advice guidance explaining that useful evidence should focus on how a condition affects everyday activities rather than simply confirming a diagnosis. Evidence can include letters, reports or care plans from professionals such as occupational therapists, social workers, counsellors, nurses, doctors or support workers. The guidance also recommends keeping a diary where difficulties fluctuate, so the claimant can record bad days and how they affect daily activities. It also advises not to delay returning the PIP form while waiting for evidence, as supporting evidence can be sent afterwards.

Citizens Advice recommends keeping a diary where a condition fluctuates, so the claimant can record bad days and explain how those difficulties affected them. The diary can be used as supporting evidence and can also help when completing the 'How your disability affects you' form. Someone else can help complete the diary if needed.

Official step-by-step guidance for starting a Personal Independence Payment claim. A claim normally begins by phone, followed by a form explaining how the disability or condition affects daily life. Supporting information such as care plans, prescription lists or information from healthcare professionals can be included. Some people may then need an assessment if more information is required. Online applications are also available in some areas.

Independent Citizens Advice guidance explaining that a PIP assessment is about how a condition affects everyday life rather than diagnosing the condition. It recommends preparing examples of difficult activities, describing what bad days are like, taking a copy of the claim form, explaining the effects of repeating activities and taking someone for support if helpful. It also explains how to request reasonable adjustments, including accessibility changes, an interpreter or signer, an assessor of the same gender where important, and audio recording of the assessment.

Official guidance explaining that some claimants may be invited to an assessment with a health professional if more information is needed. The assessment can take place in person, at home, by phone or by video, and someone such as a friend or support worker can attend. The decision is sent by letter and explains whether PIP has been awarded, when payments start and when the claim may be reviewed. If the claimant disagrees with the decision, they can request a mandatory reconsideration.

Official guidance explaining how a disability or health condition can affect a Universal Credit claim. If the condition affects capability to work for more than 7 days, a fit note may be required. If it continues for more than 28 days, the claimant may need a Work Capability Assessment. The assessment can result in being found fit for work, having limited capability for work, or having limited capability for work and work-related activity. The outcome can affect work-related requirements and whether an extra amount of Universal Credit is payable.

Official DWP Capability for Work questionnaire used for Work Capability Assessments. The WCA50 replaced the previous UC50 and ESA50 forms. It should only be completed when the claimant has been asked to do so and is not itself a benefit claim form. The form asks for information about how the person’s health condition or disability affects their ability to carry out activities relevant to work. It can be completed on a desktop or laptop using a compatible PDF reader, or printed and completed by hand. Alternative formats can be requested where needed.

Official guidance explaining the possible outcomes of a Work Capability Assessment. A claimant may be found fit for work, to have limited capability for work, or to have limited capability for work and work-related activity. The decision can affect work-related requirements and whether an additional amount of Universal Credit is payable. Someone can still work if they feel able to even after being found to have limited capability for work or work-related activity.

Official guidance on mandatory reconsideration for benefit decisions including PIP, Universal Credit, ESA and several other benefits. A request normally needs to be made within one month of the date on the decision letter. The claimant should explain which part of the decision they believe is wrong and why, and can provide supporting evidence. The original claim is reconsidered in full, meaning the award can increase, decrease, stay the same or stop. A mandatory reconsideration notice is then issued explaining the outcome.

Official DWP form for requesting mandatory reconsideration of a benefit decision. The CRMR1 form can be downloaded, completed on screen, saved and printed. The accompanying CRMR1A notes explain how to disagree with a decision and give examples of useful supporting evidence. The completed form and any relevant evidence should be sent to the address shown on the original decision letter.

Official guidance on appealing benefit decisions including PIP, Universal Credit and ESA. An appeal is free and is normally made after receiving a mandatory reconsideration notice. Appeals usually need to be started within one month of the date of that notice. The tribunal is independent of government, and a judge considers the evidence and arguments before making a decision. Appeals can be submitted online and supporting evidence can be provided during the process.

Official online service for appealing a benefit decision. Applicants normally need their National Insurance number, their mandatory reconsideration notice and details of any representative helping with the appeal. The service also asks whether the person wants to attend a tribunal hearing. Appeals can alternatively be made by post using form SSCS1. After submission, an online account can be used to track progress, upload evidence and update details.