What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people aged 16 and over who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects their daily living or mobility.
PIP is not means-tested, which means it is not affected by your income, savings, or whether you are working. The benefit is designed to help with the extra costs associated with living with a health condition or disability.
PIP is made up of two components:
- Daily Living – for help with everyday activities.
- Mobility – for help with getting around and planning journeys.
You may qualify for one or both components depending on how your condition affects you.
Who Can Claim PIP?
You may be able to claim PIP if:
- You are aged 16 or over.
- You have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
- Your condition has affected you for at least 3 months and is expected to continue for at least a further 9 months.
- You have difficulties with daily living activities or mobility because of your condition.
How to Make a Claim
To start a PIP claim, contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
When you call, you will normally be asked for:
- Your name and address.
- Your date of birth.
- Your National Insurance number.
- Your GP or healthcare professional’s details.
- Your bank or building society account details.
After making the claim, you will usually be sent a “How your disability affects you” form. This is often received within around two weeks, although some areas may offer an online application process.
The form will contain a deadline for returning it. If you need more time, contact the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 to request an extension.
Completing the PIP Form
The claim pack includes guidance to help you complete the form. Additional support is available from:
The first part of the form asks for your personal details and includes a declaration that you must sign.
It is important to give as much information as possible about how your condition affects you on a day-to-day basis.
Section 1 - Your Health Conditions
- Provide details of:
- All physical and mental health conditions.
- When each condition started.
- Any medication you take.
- Treatments, therapies, or support you receive.
Try to include as much relevant information as possible.
Section 2 - Healthcare Professionals
List all healthcare professionals involved in your care, such as:
- GP
- Consultant
- Psychiatrist
- Community nurse
- Occupational therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Mental health worker
- Support worker
Include contact details where possible.
Section 3 - Daily Living and Mobility Activities
This section asks how your condition affects specific activities.
Daily Living Activities
- Preparing food
- Eating and drinking
- Managing treatments or medication
- Washing and bathing
- Using the toilet and managing incontinence
- Dressing and undressing
- Communicating with others
- Reading and understanding information
- Mixing with other people
- Managing money
Mobility Activities
- Planning and following journeys
- Moving around
What PIP Wants to Know
For each activity, explain whether you can complete it:
- Safely
- To an acceptable standard
- As often as required
- Within a reasonable time
For example, if it takes you significantly longer than somebody without your condition, explain this.
Information to Include
Tell PIP:
- What difficulties you experience.
- How often you have good and bad days.
- Whether your condition changes during the day, week, or year.
- When the difficulties first started.
Also explain:
- Any aids or equipment you use (such as walking aids, perching stools, hearing aids, grab rails, or dosette boxes).
- Any help you receive from another person.
- Any help you need but do not currently receive.
Using real-life examples can help demonstrate how your condition affects you.
Section 3 - Question 15: Additional Information
Question 15 allows you to provide any additional information you feel is relevant to your claim.
You can use this space to:
- Expand on previous answers.
- Explain issues not covered elsewhere on the form.
- Clarify how your condition affects your daily life.
- Highlight fluctuating conditions or particularly challenging situations.
Section 4 - Assessment Information and Reasonable Adjustments
This section asks when and how you can be contacted regarding your assessment.
You can also request reasonable adjustments if needed.
Examples include:
- Telephone assessments.
- Video assessments.
- Home assessments (where appropriate).
- Communication support.
- Additional time during the assessment.
Healthcare professionals or support workers can also provide supporting information explaining why adjustments may be needed.
For example, if you are unable to leave your home due to your condition, you can request a telephone or video assessment.
Medical Evidence
Providing supporting evidence can strengthen your claim.
Useful evidence may include:
- GP letters or reports.
- Hospital reports.
- Specialist reports.
- Occupational therapy assessments.
- Care plans.
- Statements from support workers or carers.
PIP decision makers are generally looking for evidence that explains how your condition affects you. Appointment letters alone are usually not helpful as they do not describe the impact of your condition.
What Happens Next?
Once your completed form has been returned:
- The DWP will review your claim.
- You may be invited to attend an assessment.
- A decision maker will consider all available evidence.
- You will receive a written decision.
If you attend an assessment, it is often helpful to have a trusted friend, family member, carer, or support worker with you.
If You Disagree with the Decision
If you disagree with a PIP decision, you can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR).
Mandatory Reconsideration
You normally need to request an MR within one month of the decision date.
If you miss the deadline, you may still be able to request an MR if you provide reasons for the delay. In some circumstances, late requests can be accepted.
Appealing a Decision
If the Mandatory Reconsideration does not change the decision, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
Many people choose to attend their tribunal hearing, as this can give them the opportunity to explain their circumstances directly.
Reporting Changes
It is your responsibility to inform the DWP about any relevant changes in your circumstances.
Further information can be found here:
Useful Websites
The following websites provide detailed guidance about PIP and completing a claim:
Further PIP Guidance
PIP Review Forms
If you already receive PIP and have been sent a review form:
Moving from DLA to PIP
If you currently receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA):
Extra Help Available with PIP
Receiving PIP may entitle you to additional support and concessions:
Claiming PIP After State Pension Age
For information about continuing or claiming PIP around State Pension age:
Claiming PIP if You Have a Terminal Illness
If you have a terminal illness, there are special rules to help speed up a claim: