DWP Launches New Online PIP Claim Trial – Full List of Eligible Postcodes
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is currently trialling a new digital service allowing claimants to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) online, offering an easier and potentially faster way for eligible individuals to start their claim. This initiative is being introduced in selected postcode areas across England, with a view to expanding nationwide in due course.
What Is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed to assist individuals living with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. It helps cover additional living costs associated with such conditions and is available to those aged 16 or over who have not yet reached State Pension age.
New Online Application System
The DWP began a phased rollout of an online PIP claims portal. This development is part of the government’s broader digital transformation agenda and aims to simplify the application process for new claimants.
The online system is currently only available to individuals:
- Claiming PIP for the first time,
- Living in one of the approved trial postcodes (listed below),
- Not applying under the Special Rules for End of Life, and
- Not using a third party or representative to apply on their behalf.
Required Information to Apply Online
To make a PIP claim online, applicants will need:
- A National Insurance number,
- A valid email address, and
- A mobile phone number.
Expansion Plans and User Feedback
According to Tom Pursglove, Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work, more than 3,000 individuals had submitted fully online claims by 19 September 2023. The DWP has confirmed that restricting the initial rollout to specific regions allows them to thoroughly test the service’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure stability before wider expansion across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
A postcode checker is available on the GOV.UK website and is updated regularly to reflect new areas as they are added to the trial.
Alternative Application Methods
Applicants who are not eligible to apply online can continue to make their claim via telephone or by post, using the traditional application channels.
Full List of Eligible Postcodes for Online PIP Claims
The following postcode areas are currently included in the trial scheme:
Birmingham Area: B16, B18, B21, B42, B66, B67, B68, B69, B70, B71
Bradford Area: BD4, BD11, BD12
Bournemouth Area: BH1, BH2, BH3, BH4, BH5, BH6, BH7, BH8, BH9, BH10, BH11, BH12, BH13, BH14, BH15, BH16, BH17, BH18
Eastbourne Area: BN20, BN22, BN23
Essex and Surrounding: CB11, CM17, CM24
Cheshire: CW12
Derbyshire: DE7, DE21, DE72, DE75
Dudley Area: DY11, DY13
London Area (East): E7, E11, E12, E18
Gloucestershire: GL1, GL5, GL10
Huddersfield: HD1, HD4
Hertfordshire: HP23, SG7
Herefordshire: HR7, HR8
Ilford Area: IG1, IG2, IG3, IG4, IG5, IG6, IG7, IG8, IG9
Ipswich Area: IP3, IP4, IP5, IP6, IP10, IP11, IP12, IP13, IP14, IP15, IP16, IP17, IP18, IP19, IP20, IP21, IP22, IP23
Kingston Area: KT6, KT7, KT8, KT9, KT10, KT12
Liverpool Area: L9, L10, L21, L22, L23, L29, L30, L38
Leicestershire: LE13
Lincolnshire: LN9, LN10, LN11, LN12, LN13
Luton: LU1, LU2, LU3, LU4, LU7
Manchester Area: M15, M16, M23, M31, M32, M33, M41
Newcastle Area: NE1, NE2, NE4, NE5, NE98
Nottinghamshire: NG10, NG15, NG17
Norfolk Area: NR31, NR32, NR33, NR34, NR35
Boston Area: PE21, PE23, PE24, PE25, PE34
Reading Area: RG14, RG20, RG21, RG22, RG23, RG24
Surrey and Kent Border: RH7, RH8
Dagenham Area: RM10
Macclesfield Area: SK11
Hampshire: SO24
Staffordshire: ST13
Kent Area: TN8
Twickenham Area: TW16, TW17
Altrincham Area: WA14, WA15
West Yorkshire: WF13, WF15, WF16, WF17
Worcestershire: WR2, WR5, WR6, WR13, WR14
Cannock Area: WS6
Scarborough Area: YO11, YO12, YO13, YO14
Whitby and Bridlington Area: YO22, YO25
Stay Updated
For the most up-to-date information on eligibility and to access the postcode checker, visit the official GOV.UK website. This pilot scheme represents a significant step forward in the digital transformation of welfare services, aiming to enhance accessibility and efficiency for claimants nationwide.
If you require professional assistance or further clarification regarding the PIP claims process, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.