One woman described the system of claiming disability payments as “emotionally draining”.

Jo Burridge, 55, from Highbridge, Somerset, said she found navigating the personal independence payment (PIP) system “very difficult” and has now helped design an online tool for others to navigate through this process.

“When you’re in shape, you have to focus on all the things you can’t do and the pain you’re in — which are all the things you don’t want to think about,” she said.

The new Labor government has said it is looking at how the disability benefits system works and will publish proposals in the spring.

Ms Burridge was left with long-term health conditions as a result of a stem cell transplant and ongoing chemotherapy treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia.

She became passionate about improving the application system after trying to apply in 2016.

“I found it a very difficult, emotionally draining experience, it’s such a big document when you initially apply,” she said.

Ms Burridge has temporary cataracts, hearing impairment, heart problems and a mild cognitive impairment which could lead to dementia.

Now, working with national debt relief charity Turn2Us, Ms Burridge has co-designed an accessible online guide to PIP which aims to simplify the process for those who may be eligible to claim the benefit.

PIP Helper provides step-by-step instructions to assess eligibility, complete the application and includes accessibility features such as British Sign Language (BSL) content and audio descriptions.

Ms Burridge was particularly supportive of embedded wellbeing and mental health support, as well as trialling the tool and making suggestions on how things could be improved.

“It was a great process to be involved in, very exciting, but it was a long process because we wanted to get it right,” she said.

PIP is worth between £314 and £798 a month and aims to help with the extra costs associated with disability.

Payments are available to people with a long-term physical or mental condition who have difficulty carrying out everyday tasks, even if they are working.

Turn2Us said almost one in three (4.8 million) disabled people live in poverty, but claimed that £870 million in PIP goes unclaimed every year.

It added that a 14% drop-out rate in PIP applications in 2022-23 showed many people were struggling to navigate the complex application process.

The last government launched a consultation on changing the way the disability benefits system works – wanting to save money and encourage more people, especially those with mental health problems, to work.

The new Labor government he said he would come up with his own plans on how to change things and will publish proposals in the spring.

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “Millions of people rely on our social care system every year and it is vital that it can be accessed by everyone who needs it.

“That’s why we will work closely with disabled people to reform the current system so it gives them the support they need.”