Getting Help with Your PIP Claim if You Have Communication Difficulties

If you need to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) but have difficulties with communication, there are several ways the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can support you through the process.

Starting Your Claim

You begin a PIP claim by calling the PIP new claims phone line. If you have trouble speaking or hearing, you can use Relay UK services or a British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service on a computer. When you call, you can ask for a Welsh speaker if that helps you communicate better.

If you find it hard to make the call yourself, you can:

• Ask for someone to be added to your call to help you communicate (note: this is not possible if you use a textphone).
• Have someone else call on your behalf, but you must be with them during the call.

Assistance with Completing the Forms

After the initial call, you will need to complete a form about how your disability or health condition affects you. This can be done online or by post. If completing the form is challenging due to communication difficulties, you can:

• Request a home visit from a DWP officer who can assist you with your claim. You should ask about this when you first call the PIP new claims line.
• Seek help from a trusted person, such as a family member, friend, or support worker, to complete the form with you.

Additional Support Options

If you use a textphone and cannot have someone added to your call, Relay UK is available to help you communicate with the DWP by converting text to voice and vice versa. For those who use BSL, the video relay service allows you to communicate with a signer who relays your conversation to the DWP.

Important Things to Remember

• Keep your contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number (if you have one), and information about your health professionals ready before you call.
• Include any supporting documents with your form, such as care plans, prescription lists, or letters from your doctor, which help explain your condition.
• If you need more time to complete the form or have questions, contact the PIP enquiry line for assistance.
• Different rules apply if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland; in Scotland, you need to apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead, so check the relevant guidance if this applies to you.

Official reference: https://www.gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim. Always check the latest official guidance. Related forms: Browse our form category.

Important: This article provides general information. Government rules, forms and procedures can change, and this article may not reflect the latest updates. Check current GOV.UK guidance or the relevant authority before relying on it. ITG & Co. is independent and is not affiliated with a government department.