Calculator reveals whether you could claim benefit worth up to £9,584 as hundreds of thousands could be missing out

A NEW online calculator has been launched to help people check if they are missing out on thousands of pounds in disability benefits.

Charity Turn2us has created a calculator that will tell you if you are eligible to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP), as well as how much you could get.

PIP is a benefit which helps disabled people and those with long-term health conditions struggling with extra costs.

But the process to apply for PIP is complex and often overwhelming, which has left some eligible people without the payments.

Last year around £870 million worth of PIP payments were underpaid, according to a report from the National Audit Office.

The Turn2us PIP Helper tool will help to simplify the process of applying for PIP by providing clear guidance through every stage.

It will be able to determine if a user is eligible to claim PIP, taking into account factors such as where they live and their immigration status.

For non-UK or Irish citizens it will also provide guidance on any exceptions that might apply, which can help users to understand whether they qualify.

Users will need to answer questions on how their condition affects their daily activities, based on PIP descriptors.

The tool will then compare the user’s needs with the PIP criteria and will calculate how much the person could get.

Users will be able to save their process by creating an account, which will enable them to revisit and update their responses at their own pace.

There will also be tailored tips on how to complete the PIP application form.

This document is used as the primary evidence to determine whether someone is entitled to PIP.

The tool will address common difficulties claimants face and offer personalised guidance on each question based on the user’s normal responses.

This will ensure that they submit accurate and clear information, which will increase the chance that their claim is successful.

It will also provide clear guidance on what to expect during a PIP assessment, whether in person, online, by phone or at home.

Meanwhile, it will help users to understand decision letters and outline next steps such as options for reconsideration or appeals.

The PIP Helper will be compatible with screen readers, video captions, audio descriptions and British Sign Language (BSL) support. 

Michael Clarke, head of information programmes at Turn2us, says: “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.”

How much can you get from PIP?

The amount you will get in PIP will depend on how difficult you find everyday activities and getting around.

You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help to go out or move around.

The weekly rate is either £28.70 or £75.75.

Meanwhile, for the daily living element, the weekly rate is either £72.65 or £108.55.

You could get both elements, which would add up to £184.30 in total per week.

Over the course of a year you would receive £9,583.60.

All PIP payments are tax free and the amount you will get is not affected by your income or savings.

Payments are made every four weeks but if the payment date is on a bank holiday then you will usually be paid before it.

Who is eligible?

PIP is available to people aged 16 and over who have not yet reached the state pension age.

You must have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and have difficulty with certain everyday tasks or getting around.

Crucially, the difficulties you are experiencing must last for at least 12 months from when they started.

You need to live in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years and be living in one of these countries when you apply.

If you live in Scotland you will need to apply for the adult disability payment instead.

You can claim PIP at the same time as all other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment.

But if you receive constant attendance allowance then you will get less of the daily living part of PIP.

Meanwhile, if you get the war pensioners’ mobility supplement you will not get the mobility part of PIP.

How can I apply?

There are several ways to make a claim including by phone, by post or online.

You can only apply for PIP online in certain areas.

You must check your postcode when you start your application.

To make a claim online you will need your national insurance number, email address and mobile number.

Another option is to begin a claim by phone.

To do so you will need to call the PIP new claims phone line on 0800 917 2222.

You will then be sent a form which will ask about your condition.

Next complete and return the form to the address on it.

You may have an assessment if more information is needed.

To make a claim by phone you will need:

• Your contact details
• Your date of birth
• Your National Insurance number, if you have one (you can find this 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 in a care home or hospital
• Dates for any time you spent abroad for more than 4 weeks at a time, and the countries you visited

Another option is to make a claim by post, although this can mean it takes longer to get a decision.

Simply send a letter to this freepost address: Freepost DWP PIP 1.

Do not write anything except the freepost address on the envelope.

You do not need a postcode or a stamp.

You will then be sent a form asking for your personal information, such as your address and age.

Simply fill it in and return the form.

You will then be sent a form which asks about your disability or condition.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories