Ex-DWP expert shares vital tips to protect your PIP and disability benefits | Personal Finance | Finance

A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee with over 40 years of experience in pensions and disability benefits has shared key advice to help new and existing claimants protect their payments.

Sandra Wrench, who worked at the DWP for 42 years, stressed the importance of keeping a copy of your original claim form, especially for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), and Attendance Allowance. She told the Daily Record: “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.”

This advice comes as disability benefit claims reach record levels across the UK: 3.6 million people are now on PIP, nearly 375,000 on ADP, and over 1.6 million on Attendance Allowance, according to the DWP and Social Security Scotland.

Claimants applying online can usually save a digital copy of their form, but those submitting a paper application are advised to photocopy it before sending it off. Recalling a time she helped one woman with her PIP claim, Ms Wrench said: “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.”

She also warned that inconsistencies during reviews could prompt extra scrutiny from the DWP. She said: “The most important reason for keeping a copy of your original claim form is to ensure that you do not give any conflicting evidence… which may give DWP reason to scrutinise your case further.”

Attendance Allowance applicants, she added, should gather all relevant medical documents before starting the form. She said: “Once you have catalogued your medical history required for the claim, you are halfway there.”

However, she cautioned against completing the application in one sitting due to the mental strain of it.

Ms Wrench further recommended that claimants keep a diary- digital or handwritten – to document the day-to-day impact of their condition. This can help explain fluctuating symptoms, forgotten medication, or tasks that become difficult due to worsening health.

Notes of “bad days,” significant events, or emotional struggles can be added as calendar entries or simple text logs.

She also advised attending all medical appointments, including counselling or physiotherapy, to ensure up-to-date records, and suggested contacting condition-specific charities for support or additional evidence.

Ms Wrench said these could help claimants better navigate reviews and ensure continued eligibility.

A successful PIP claim is currently worth £29.20 to £187.45 per week (£116.80 – £749.80 per four-week period). Attendance Allowance is paid at £73.90 or £110.40 per week – £295.60 or £441.60 every four weeks.