The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has shared more details of the new ‘online apply service’ for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The service is currently only being offered to 60 new claimants each day who call the PIP phone line to start their application.
DWP Minister for Disabled People, Tom Pursglove MP, explained in a written response to Labour MP and chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, Sir Stephen Timms that “only those claimants who are able to apply online, and feel comfortable doing so, are offered a digital application” adding that “call agents offer this voluntary option to new PIP claimants within scope of the current service until the daily limit is met”.
This would suggest that anyone keen to complete their whole application for the disability benefit - worth between £26.90 and £172.75 each week - should call the dedicated ‘PIP new claims’ phone line on 0800 917 2222 early on in the day, before the daily cap is met.
Sir Stephen asked DWP who was taking part in the "small-scale test of the digital PIP service" and "whether organisations supporting disabled people would be able to offer to contribute to it".
Mr Pursglove replied: “As we test the new online apply service for PIP, it is currently being offered to a small number of claimants who call the department to begin a new claim. Currently, we are offering the service to 60 claimants a day.
“Only those claimants who are able to apply online, and feel comfortable doing so, are offered a digital application.”
Crucially, he added: “Call agents offer this voluntary option to new PIP claimants within scope of the current service until the daily limit is met.”
The following groups will be incrementally included as we grow the scope of the service:
- anyone applying in an official capacity, such as appointees
- anyone with a Welsh or Northern Ireland postcode
- anyone applying for special rules
- anyone with a previous or existing PIP or DLA claim
- those without a National Insurance number or with a GY or JY postcode
The DWP Minister also said that the trial is being “gradually” expanded. He said: “We will incrementally bring more user groups in scope. This approach is allowing us to build, develop and design the service safely.
“The department is committed to working with stakeholder organisations as we develop the new online apply service for PIP. Their input will be vital to its delivery.”
People in Scotland considering making a new claim for PIP must claim Adult Disability Payment instead. This devolved benefit replaced new claims north of the border last summer and all existing PIP claimants are gradually being transferred to the Social Security Scotland IT system - this is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
PIP and Adult Disability Payment rates 2023/24
Daily Living Component
- Enhanced: £101.75
- Standard: £68.10
Mobility Component
- Enhanced: £71.00
- Standard: £26.90
How to make a new claim for PIP
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, you will need:
your contact details
your date of birth
your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
your bank or building society account number and sort code
your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
How to apply for Adult Disability Payment
People can apply ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
To keep up to date with the latest disability benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
To keep up to date with the latest PIP or ADP news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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