Welfare advice for a PIP claim
Claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be complicated and stressful if you have a mental health condition. Speak to a welfare rights adviser if you need help with your PIP claim.
How can a welfare rights advisor help me apply for PIP
Several welfare rights organisations within England can help you with your PIP claim. However, the service each organisation offers can differ.
Welfare rights advisors may be able to help with the following when applying for PIP:
- Filling out the PIP form
- Preparing you for the PIP appeal process
- Representation at PIP tribunals
- Explaining what other benefits, you may be able to claim on PIP
- Advising on general PIP enquiries
Where can I get welfare advice for PIP?
You can get welfare rights advice on PIP from the Citizens Advice. You can also find a local welfare rights advisor to help you with your PIP claim through Turn2us or your local authority.
Mental Health and Money Advice for PIP
While you wait to get an appointment with a welfare advisor, you can use our free Mental Health and Money Advice PIP guide which explains the entire PIP process.
Can I get legal aid for a PIP claim?
Legal aid is not available for help with PIP claims unless you need to appeal a PIP decision to an Upper Tribunal.
What to know about the mobility increase error for PIP
The DWP has launched a review of PIP claims due to an error in drafting the law, meaning some claimants may be owed back payments of the mobility component. You must contact the DWP to review your award again to be eligible.
Generally, claimants of state pension age can't have an award of the standard rate of the mobility component increased to enhanced. However, because of an error, claimants who didn't ask for an increase, but who had a PIP review in which they were found they now met the criteria for an enhanced award, may be entitled to the higher rate.
You may be entitled to an increased award for the mobility part of your PIP, even if you have stopped getting PIP, if all of the following apply:
- you had your PIP claim reviewed between 8 April 2013 and 29 November 2020
- you were over State Pension age
- you received the standard rate of the mobility award
- you did not report a change in your circumstances that affected your mobility needs
- you had a health professional assessment which recommended the enhanced rate of the mobility award
- you continued to receive the standard rate of the mobility award
- your decision letter told you that the DWP could not increase your mobility award because you were over State Pension age
If you think this applies to you, contact the DWP and ask for your award to be looked at again.
You can find more details on how to apply on the GOV.uk website.
