The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a stark warning to people considering claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance through fee-charging claims management companies. In a parliamentary statement released this week, Minister of State Sir Stephen Timms advised claimants to "think very carefully" before using such services, emphasising that free help is widely available.
Minister responds to question on claims management companies
The statement came in response to a question from Samantha Niblett, Labour MP for South Derbyshire, who asked whether the Government would publish its position on fee-paying and no-win-no-fee organisations that complete benefit applications such as PIP and Attendance Allowance for constituents, and whether regulation of these services ought to be extended to protect vulnerable applicants.
Sir Stephen Timms, who serves as Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government with responsibility for equalities, said: "We are aware of the proliferation of claims management companies who charge a fee and would advise claimants to think very carefully before using such services."
Free advice available for claimants
The minister stressed that claimants do not need to pay for support, stating: "Free help, support and advice on claiming Personal Independent Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance is widely available. There is no need for claimants to pay for advice and support."
He added: "We remain committed to protecting claimants from poor quality or misleading or exploitative practices. The Department continues to monitor developments in this area and is considering whether further measures are necessary to strengthen protections for claimants and maintain confidence in the benefits system."
How PIP and Attendance Allowance work
PIP consists of two components: a daily living part for those who require assistance with everyday tasks, and a mobility part for those who need help getting around. Whether a claimant is entitled to one or both components, and the amount received, is determined by how much difficulty they experience with everyday tasks and mobility.
Attendance Allowance provides financial support towards additional costs for people with a disability or health condition severe enough to require somebody to help care for them. A separate claims process exists for those nearing the end of life, for instance due to a life-limiting illness.
