A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee with over four decades of experience in handling State Pension, working age, and disability benefits has offered invaluable advice for individuals making new claims for additional financial support. With the number of people receiving disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance hitting record highs across Great Britain, this guidance could be vital.

The latest DWP figures reveal that there are currently 3.6 million PIP claimants and over 1.6 million Attendance Allowance recipients. Sandra Wrench, a veteran of the welfare system with 42 years of service, advises new applicants to “keep a copy of the claim form they submit” as it may prove crucial when the award is due for review.

For online claims, like PIP (depending on postcode) and Attendance Allowance (limited number per week), saving a copy to a home computer or laptop is straightforward. However, for those filling out paper-based forms, it’s essential to make a copy before sending it off, reports the Daily Record.

If you don’t have a copy of your PIP 2 evidence form, which is the health questionnaire completed before an assessment, you can contact the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 and request one. A DWP expert has emphasised the importance of retaining a copy of your original claim form for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) specialist has emphasised the importance of keeping a detailed record of one’s initial claim to track any developments in health conditions over time. They revealed: “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.”

Recalling support given to a woman during her Personal Independence Payment renewal, 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.”

The advisor also offered advice to those applying for Attendance Allowance, suggesting: “It is advisable to get all your medical evidence sorted out before you start completing the form.”

They stressed the benefits of having one’s medical history prepared, adding: “Once you have catalogued your medical history required for the claim you are halfway there.”

Yet Sandra warns against rushing the process: “Do not try and complete the form in one sitting, as it can be mentally draining.”

A welfare expert has underscored the critical need to retain a copy of your original claim form, cautioning against “giving any conflicting evidence when it comes to a review, which may give DWP reason to scrutinise your case further”. She elaborated: “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.”

Claimants who successfully apply for PIP could receive between £28.70 and £184.30 weekly, translating to £114.80 to £737.20 per four-week cycle.

Similarly, a successful new claim for Attendance Allowance could result in a weekly sum of either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate), equating to £290.60 or £434.20 every four weeks.