Charity launches new online ‘PIP Helper’ to assist people claiming up to £737 each month

A leading charity providing support across the UK has launched a new online tool which aims to simplify the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application process for disabled people and those with a long-term health condition trying to access financial support. The Turn2us PIP Helper is an innovative tool created in partnership with PIP claimants and health charities.

It aims to tackle PIP application barriers with step-by-step guidance, award estimations, mental wellbeing resources, and essential information. Turn2us said that one-in-three disabled people in the UK are living in poverty and face substantial additional daily costs - £1,010 on average each month more than non-disabled households.

READ MORE: PIP or ADP can provide up to £737 each month for people with long-term health issues

READ MORE: Best PIP assessment tips as DWP confirms most consultations take place by phone

PIP is administered and delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), providing up to £737.20 every four-week payment period to help people with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition with extra daily living and/or mobility costs.

However, Turn2Us says the complex and often overwhelming application process results in £870 million going unclaimed each year due to incomplete claims or people being eligible for higher payments but not receiving them.

The Turn2us PIP Helper was created to help people overcome these barriers by providing clear guidance through each stage of the PIP process. It simplifies eligibility and likely award checks, improves claim accuracy, and lowers dropout rates by helping users understand and complete applications effectively.

The tool also supports users’ mental wellbeing with videos and reminders that reduce stigma and isolation, ultimately enhancing financial security and closing the income gap for disabled people across the UK. However, it’s important to be aware that people in Scotland can no longer claim PIP and must claim the devolved Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead.

ADP is similar in structure and payment rates to PIP, but the assessment process is considerably different as Social Security Scotland, who administer and deliver ADP, will only need to conduct assessments if further information, not already provided, is needed - or if the claimant requests it. Full details on ADP can be found on the mygov.scot website here.

Key features of the Turn2us PIP Helper

Eligibility checker

The PIP Helper quickly determines if users are eligible to claim PIP, taking into account factors like residency and immigration status. For non-UK or Irish citizens, the tool provides guidance on exceptions that might apply, helping users understand their potential to qualify.

Likely award estimator

This feature guides users through questions on how their condition affects daily activities, based on PIP descriptors. By clarifying how each user’s needs align with PIP’s criteria, it provides an estimated award. Users can save their progress by creating an account, enabling them to revisit and update their responses comfortably at their own pace.

Personalised form tips

Recognising that the PIP application form is the primary evidence used to determine entitlement, the PIP Helper provides tailored tips for completing it. This feature addresses common difficulties claimants face and offers personalised guidance for each question based on the user’s responses. This ensures users submit accurate and clear information, improving their chances of a successful claim.

Assessment preparation and decision guide

This provides clear guidance on what to expect during assessments, whether in-person, online, by phone, or at home. It also helps users interpret decision letters and outlines next steps, including options for reconsideration and appeals, with links to additional support.

Wellbeing and rights information

The tool prioritises users’ mental wellbeing with resources developed in partnership with the UK mental health charity, Mind. It also informs users of their legal rights to support confident decision-making and reduce stress throughout the PIP application process.

Enhanced accessibility

The PIP Helper is designed to be fully accessible. It includes compatibility with screen readers, video captions, audio descriptions, and British Sign Language (BSL) support. These features ensure that the tool is usable for a wide range of people, including those with visual, auditory, and learning disabilities.

Michael Clarke, head of information programmes at Turn2us, said: “The Turn2us PIP Helper was developed in response to the significant barriers many people face in accessing support. Built over two years with direct input from PIP claimants, this tool addresses those barriers head-on.

“Health, disability and financial security are deeply connected, and we are committed to helping people access the support they urgently need.”

Michael Paul, head of engagement, Disability Rights UK (DRUK), said: “DRUK is proud to be project partners in the creation of the Turn2us PIP Helper. By sharing the excellent Turn2us PIP Helper as widely as possible, and playing a part in its continuous improvement, we will ensure as many Disabled people as possible can access the appropriate PIP award.”

Stephen Buckley, head of information for Mind, said: “The benefits system should be there for all of us when we need it most. Right now, too many people are having their mental health problems compounded by the very system which should be helping them.

“PIP can make a huge difference to people's lives, but many find the application process difficult. The length of the form and the language used in it can act as a barrier, particularly for people applying for mental health reasons.

“We’re pleased to have worked with Turn2Us to address those issues with this online tool, which we hope will help more people applying for PIP get the support they need. It is also vital that people with lived experience of mental health problems were put at the heart of developing the tool.”

PIP payment rates

A successful claim for PIP or ADP is currently worth between £28.70 and £184.30 each week in additional financial support and as the benefit is paid every four weeks - resulting in 13 payments over the course of a year instead of 12 - this amounts to between £114.80 and £737.20 every payment period.

The DWP has confirmed an uprating of 1.7 per cent will be applied to disability benefits, including PIP, from April 7, 2025. This will see people on PIP receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period.

Over the course of the 2025/26 financial year, people on the highest awards will receive £9,747 in extra cash help.

Daily living component weekly rates

• Standard: £72.65 (rising to £73.90 in April)

• Enhanced: £108.55 (rising to £110.40 in April)

Mobility component weekly rates

• Standard: £28.70 (rising to £29.20 in April)

• Enhanced: £75.75 (rising to £77.05 in April)

A step forward in PIP support

Jo, who lives with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and its long-term effects, helped build the tool alongside a group of PIP claimants. She said: “The Turn2us PIP Helper is fantastic because it’s created by people who’ve actually been through the system. It gives clear, practical advice that helps you understand how to frame your answers properly. The tool’s checklists and guidance turn an overwhelming process into something much more manageable."

Alicia, who lives with bipolar disorder, added: "The PIP process is daunting - it can feel exhausting to keep explaining yourself when living with an invisible disability like mine. For people with hidden disabilities, the Turn2us PIP Helper is so valuable because it reassures you that you’re not alone. The guidance at each step and the focus on wellbeing are essential for those of us who find the process mentally challenging."

View the Turn2us PIP Helper online here.