There are currently 2.8million people across the UK claiming support through Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and accessing a whole range of other discounts including Council Tax Reductions, benefit top-ups and free or discounted travel on public transport.
Of that total figure, 292,231 Scots are now receiving weekly financial support of between £23.70 and £152.15, however, PIP is paid every four weeks, so that amounts to between £94.80 and £608.60 each month, completely tax-free.
During the period between April and July 2021, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) received 170,000 registrations for new claims, the highest quarterly level of new claim registrations since PIP began in 2013. The figures also revealed that of the 2.8 million people receiving the benefits, just over one in three cases (34%) are receiving the highest level of award.
Many people are put off claiming PIP as they don’t think their condition will qualify, but it’s essential to remember that it is how the condition affects your ability to carry out daily tasks and move around outside your home that matters to the decision makers, not the condition itself.
Most people are aware of the eligibility criteria for PIP, we have a dedicated section on the benefit here which covers everything from points to payments, common mistakes made on the application and how to prepare for an assessment, whether it’s in-person or over the phone or video call.
However, one of the most important elements to any PIP claim is the supporting documentation or evidence that you provide along with your completed ‘How Your Disability Affects You’ booklet, also known as the ‘PIP2’ form.
It's useful to include evidence from health professionals as it can give the DWP a clearer picture of how your condition affects you and give you a better chance of being properly assessed by someone who knows nothing about you or your situation.
Keep a diary or daily journal
If your condition fluctuates, where you may have good and bad days, it can be helpful to keep a daily diary. This doesn’t have to be a physical diary, it can be paper with a date heading to keep track of how your condition affects you at different times.
You could also do this on a computer or in a notes app on your mobile phone, just remember to clearly mark each entry with a day and date.
What to include in your daily diary
- How your illness, disability, physical or mental health condition impacts you on everyday tasks
- The help you need - which you may forget
- How you have adapted to cope with your condition
Once you have completed your diary, you could turn this into a PIP personal statement, which may be easier to read than a journal.
This should be a maximum of two pages and explain:
- The history of your condition
- How your ability to cope differs from day-to-day
- Your average week
You could also ask a family member, friend or carer to write a supporting statement.
Letters from your carer, friends or family can help support your PIP claim as they are likely to see you frequently, they can comment on how they help you - washing, bathing, cooking, dressing etc. - and why you would have difficulty doing specific tasks yourself.
Medical evidence for PIP
Medical evidence is crucial when applying for PIP and usually takes the form of a letter or report from your GP, consultant or other healthcare professional.
Medical professionals can explain what your condition is, your treatment and how the condition affects your everyday life.
Not all healthcare professionals are able or willing to write supporting letters, and they are not obliged to do so, but it is worth asking them and stressing how it could help your claim - just be aware they can charge a fee for writing this letter or report.
Who to ask for medical evidence to support your PIP claim
This is not a definite list, but an example of the health professionals you could ask for support.
These include:
- GP
- Social worker
- Care or support worker
- Counsellor
- Hospital consultant
- Nurse
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Community psychiatric nurse (CPN)
- Occupational therapist
What to include when requesting medical evidence for PIP
When requesting medical evidence for PIP, explain that you require information specifically relevant to the criteria used by the DWP to assess you.
It is essential that any supporting evidence provided has information about the difficulties your condition causes you, and how you meet the criteria for PIP.
It is not helpful for evidence to say what diagnosis, symptoms or treatment you have.
The healthcare professional needs to understand that you will be assessed on how you are most of the time, and for you to be considered able to do an activity you need to be able to carry it out:
- Safely
- to an acceptable standard
- repeatedly
- in a reasonable timescale
The DWP assess how your illness, disability or mental health condition requires you to have help to do the following 12 activities:
- Preparing food and cooking
- Eating or drinking
- Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition
- Taking medication
- Washing and bathing
- Managing toilet needs or incontinence
- Dressing and undressing
- Communicating verbally
- Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words
- Socialising with other people
- Deciding about your money and budget
- Plan and follow journeys
- Move around outside your home
Visiting your healthcare professional face-to-face
You should take a copy of the PIP descriptors with you and highlight the areas you would like them to comment on.
This can help your healthcare professional when writing a letter of medical evidence and will help them focus on the activities that are most relevant to you.
Writing a letter to request medical evidence for PIP
You can also write a letter to your healthcare professional requesting medical evidence to support your PIP application.
Include the topics and areas you would like them to comment on.
It is essential when you request medical evidence, whether in person or in writing, that you ask neutral, non-leading questions.
For more information about PIP, visit the GOV.UK website here.
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