DWP is introducing new way to claim PIP - full list of postcodes in trial scheme to apply online
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a government benefit which could help with the extra living costs people with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability face
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has created a new way people can submit a PIP claim.
The government is trialling a service to apply for PIP online, meaning people can only currently do this in “some areas”.
To apply online, applicants will need to check their postcode to see if they can claim online, when they start their application.
For an online claim, a person will need their National Insurance number, email address and mobile phone.
More than 3,000 claimants have applied fully online for PIP, the DWP said
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The trial has now been rolled out to 160 postcodes in England, with the goal for further expansion in areas in England, Wales and Northern Ireland next year.
In a written answer, Tom Pursglove, Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work, recently told MPs the DWP launched a service for “limited numbers” of people to make a claim entirely online on July 27.
He added: “It is currently open to those living in selected postcodes in England, claiming PIP for the first time, who do not have a third party acting on their behalf and are not claiming under the Special Rules for End of Life criteria.”
More than 3,000 claimants had applied fully online, as of September 19.
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Those who can’t apply for PIP online can start their claim by phone or by post.
People can check if they can apply for PIP online, with the DWP saying they will “constantly” update the postcode checker.
The government has released a list of postcodes where people can currently apply for PIP online.
Mr Pursglove said limiting the number of claimants taking part in the testing phase means they can "test the functionality and stability of the new service, learning and making improvements before we gradually and carefully increase the number of people who can use it".
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