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<p>There are no plans to change the application process for Personal Independence
Payment or Attendance Allowance as third parties can already assist the claimant throughout
the claim process and beyond.</p><p>A third party can assist the disabled person in
making the telephone claim for PIP. They can also help the person complete any paper
claim form where necessary. Further within the claim process, they can help the claimant
complete any evidence gathering forms and can also accompany them to any face to face
consultation with a Health Care Professional, at the claimant’s request.</p><p>Separately
to this, a third party can make a claim under the Special Rules for the Terminally
Ill provisions where the claimant has a life expectancy of less than 6 months, without
any involvement from the disabled person, although all notifications are sent to the
customer.</p><p>For claims to Attendance Allowance a third party can assist the disabled
person by completing a clerical claim form. In addition, claims to Attendance Allowance
can be made via Alternative Offices. These are offices authorised by the Secretary
of State, with nominated staff trained from specified partner organisations to receive
and check Social Security claims made by Attendance Allowance customers. They can
also collect and validate information and supporting evidence and record the first
date of claim.</p>
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