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If there is the time (clients sometimes bring the form in close to when it has to be in by) I copy or scan the form, give the client the original back, show them where to sign and ask them to read it over again before despatch. This is, particularly, valuable if they have attended alone and have someone else who knows the effect their condition has on them. It's amazing what clients believe they can do when their partner thinks the complete opposite. In my experience, especially, men!. Sounds like your couple may have also made a copy for themselves. Sensible.
You are right there is nothing illegal and, yes, the criteria is all over the internet. There are some excellent guides online. Some people, though, lack the confidence to complete what can be a daunting form. And, often, having someone neutral with experience assisting them is helpful.
I am so used to the way I have to live with all my problems and the coping strategies that get me through day to day; that it takes a neutral outside view to prompt realisations that the way I live is normal to me but actually not normal in general. And the forms need to know about the latter.
You can go live on Spain and claim other benefits (could...don't know if you still can after Brexit) ....but not DLA/pip.
You don't need to have a carer to claim it.
Example.....my MIL claims attendance allowance. She can barely walk and didn't have a carer when she claimed it.
It helped to pay for things such as incontinence pads....buying items online which were more expensive due to paying delivery charges.....paying for taxis to Drs as she couldn't get on a bus.....items to help her such as a grabber stick....shoe horn....hearing aid.....rails in bathroom etc.
All sorts of stuff.
Not everything is provided free and even when it is....it's not always suitable.
I think you ought to take some time to understand the benefits before you moan about them.
I couldn't say better