PIP

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a disability benefit for people who first claim when they are of working age. This course looks at who is eligible to claim PIP and how to make effective applications including how to fill out the PIP2 claim form.  

Part 1: Disability criteria / form filling

Aims
This part of the course teaches the disability criteria in Personal Independence Payment (PIP). It enables participants to identify what is relevant to the claim and how to fill out the PIP2 form effectively.

Objectives
By the end of Part1, participants will:

  • Be familiar with the points based system within PIP.
  • Understand how the required period rules operate and how people with fluctuating conditions should approach the PIP assessment process.
  • Understand how claims should be made and assessed where the claimant can complete an activity but cannot do it reliably.
  • Understand how aids and appliances are considered in the PIP rules and how they can help claimants make successful applications.
  • Have explored good practice for completing the PIP2 form on behalf of a claimant.
  • Be able to choose from a range of options for completing the form when helping people as part of a telephone service.
  • Have reviewed the rules around fluctuating conditions and completing an activity reliably.
  • Have practised completing a section of the claim form for a real life case.

Part 2: Main eligibility rules / decision making and Mandatory Reconsiderations

Aims
This part of the course teaches the main eligibility rules for PIP. It enables participants to understand who should claim PIP and who should be getting Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance instead. This part of the course also enables participants to advise a PIP claimant of their options when they receive an entitlement decision and how to write an effective MR letter.

Objectives
By the end of the course participants will:

  • Understand the non-disability eligibility rules for PIP including the age rules, the residence and presence rules and the required period rules.
  • Know who should remain on Disability Living Allowance and who are not required to claim PIP.
  • Know who should claim under the special rules.
  • Be aware of how PIP is affected when a claimant enters hospital and other residential settings.
  • Be able to advise claimants on when they have a right to challenge a PIP decision and how to exercise their rights.
  • Understand the time limits for challenging decisions and when a challenge can be made late
  • Be able to help claimants obtain further medical evidence when it is needed to support a challenge.
  • Be able to write an effective MR letter.

Methods of delivery
This course is delivered online live with a BTC trainer. It is a practical course delivered using a This course is delivered online live with a BTC trainer. It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and case studies, group discussion and games. Participants will be provided with e-learning supporting material including PowerPoint slide handouts, a comprehensive training pack pdf and additional resources. There is a 20-30 minute break halfway through each part of the course.

Intended audience
This course is for participants working with working age people who are affected by a health condition or a disability. No previous experience is required although a working knowledge of the wider benefits system is helpful. This course is suitable for participants working in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is not suitable for those working in Scotland.

Certificates & post course support
Participants will receive an e-certificate for completing an entire BTC course (both Parts1&2). This also guarantees access to our regular bitesize benefits news updates and free 12 months post-course advice service (including priority entry to free webinars).

Course instructions
This online course is run over Zoom. In the week before the course, you will receive an email with Zoom link(s) and access the supporting materials. You will need to download (or print) the pack (and slides, if you wish) before each part of the course, unless you have selected a printed pack when booking.

Participants will need a good wifi connection and a suitable computer/laptop to access both the Zoom session and the pack throughout. You may wish to use a separate device for the pack (or split your screen) if you cannot or do not wish to print. We recommend participants log in a few minutes beforehand. You may also wish to have a pen and paper handy to make notes.