Cookie Policy & Storage Guide
Prepared in accordance with the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
We use essential cookies to keep you signed in securely and local storage on your device so you do not lose your PIP answers or accessibility settings if your internet drops. We never use advertising cookies, and optional analytics cookies are switched off unless you explicitly opt in.
What Are Cookies & Local Storage
MyPIPApp uses cookies, browser local storage, and IndexedDB to ensure our website functions securely, remember your accessibility preferences, safeguard your draft progress against connection drops, and (only if you opt in) anonymously analyse traffic patterns. For complete information on how we collect and process health data in the UK (europe-west2) and EU (europe-west4), please review our Privacy Policy.
Categorised Cookie & Local Storage Breakdown
| Category | Cookie / Key Name | Purpose | Retention | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | __session, session | Maintains your secure authenticated Firebase session across pages on mypipapp.co.uk. | Session / 14 days | Essential Cookie (HttpOnly) |
| Strictly Necessary Security | _GRECAPTCHA | Set by Google reCAPTCHA Enterprise / Firebase App Check to protect your account and API routes against automated bot abuse. | 6 Months | Security Cookie |
| Functional Preferences | mypipapp_cookie_consent, cookie-consent, functional | Records your explicit cookie consent choices so we do not repeatedly show the consent banner. | 1 Year | Preference Cookie & Local Storage |
| Accessibility Ergonomics | mypipapp_accessibility_settings, a11y_* | Saves your chosen font size, High-Contrast theme, dyslexia-friendly font, reading strip, line spacing, and reduced motion settings. | Until cleared / sign-out | Local Storage |
| Draft Auto-Save & Offline Resilience | mypipapp_claim_state_v1, draft_*, mypipapp_offline_v2, PipConsultationAudioDB | Provides offline resilience and instant auto-save for your PIP Points Calculator, PIP Application Writer drafts, and consultation notes on your device. Automatically purged when you sign out or click Quick Exit. | Until cleared / sign-out / Quick Exit | Local Storage & IndexedDB |
| Analytics & Performance | _ga, _ga_* | Gathers anonymised aggregate navigation insights via Google Analytics 4. Never logs health narratives, NINOs, or personal names. Strictly disabled unless you explicitly opt in. | 2 Years (Opt-in only) | Optional Cookie |
Google Consent Mode v2 & Zero Advertising Tracking
We enforce Google Consent Mode v2 across all analytical scripts. Unless you explicitly select "Accept All Cookies" or authorise analytics in your preference settings, all measurement signals default strictly to denied. Advertising storage (ad_storage, ad_user_data, and ad_personalization) is permanently locked to denied.
DWP Independence Notice
MyPIPApp is an independent self-help service. We are not part of, or endorsed by, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HMCTS, or the NHS. Cookies and local storage saved by MyPIPApp stay on your device or within your private MyPIPApp workspace and are never shared with the DWP. You can claim PIP and appeal for free, and free help is available from Citizens Advice and local welfare rights services (DWP PIP enquiry line: 0800 121 4433).
Need to change your consent settings?
You can update your choices or revoke optional cookie consent at any time.