Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

To be eligible for Personal Independence Payment you must:

• Be aged 16 to 64 (those aged 65 and over may be eligible for Attendance Allowance instead)
• Have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that has affected you for at least 3 months and is expected to continue for at least 9 months
• Be habitually resident in England, Scotland, or Wales
• Not be subject to immigration control (with some exceptions)

There is no list of qualifying conditions. What matters is how your condition affects you in practice — not whether you have a named diagnosis. Conditions commonly associated with successful PIP claims include multiple sclerosis, arthritis, epilepsy, depression, anxiety, autism, ADHD, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, and many more.

Terminal illness: If you have a terminal illness and are not reasonably expected to live more than 12 months, you can claim PIP under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI) and will receive the enhanced daily living component automatically and more quickly.

PIP is assessed through a two-stage process. First, a DWP assessor (from Capita or Atos) reviews a self-assessment questionnaire (form PIP2) that you complete detailing how your condition affects you across 12 activities. Second, most claimants are invited to a face-to-face or telephone assessment, although paper-based assessments are made in some cases.

The 12 activities are split into two components:

Daily living (10 activities):

• Preparing food
• Eating and drinking
• Managing treatments
• Washing and bathing
• Managing toilet needs
• Dressing and undressing
• Communicating verbally
• Reading and understanding signs, symbols, and words
• Engaging with other people face to face
• Making budgeting decisions

Mobility (2 activities):

• Planning and following journeys
• Moving around

Each activity has descriptors ranging from 0 to 12 points. To receive the standard rate of a component, you need at least 8 points. To receive the enhanced rate, you need at least 12 points.

Crucially, the assessment considers your ability to complete activities safely, reliably, repeatedly, and in a timely manner. If you can technically perform an activity but it causes significant pain, takes much longer than it would for a non-disabled person, or can only be done with aids or another person's help, those factors all count towards your score.

The claim process for PIP involves several stages:

1. Phone the PIP new claims line: Call 0800 917 2222 to start your claim. You cannot apply fully online (though you can request a paper form be sent to you if you cannot phone). Give basic information about your condition and contact details. You will normally be sent the PIP2 form within two weeks.
2. Complete the PIP2 self-assessment form: This is the most important stage. You have one month to return it. Take your time and describe your worst days, not your best. Use extra sheets if needed. For each activity, explain how you are affected, not just that you are. Include evidence of how your condition affects you, not just what your diagnosis is.
3. Gather supporting evidence: Letters from your GP, specialist, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist, hospital letters, prescription records, or written statements from carers or family members are all useful. Send copies, not originals.
4. Attend the assessment: The assessor will ask about your daily life, not your medical history. Describe your typical day. Be honest about how long things take and what help you need.
5. Receive the decision: You will get a decision letter setting out your points for each activity and the award (if any). If you disagree, you must first request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month.

Approximately 50–60% of initial PIP decisions that are challenged are overturned. If you are refused PIP, awarded a lower rate than you believe you deserve, or have your award reduced at review, you have the right to challenge the decision.

Step 1: Mandatory Reconsideration. You must ask the DWP to reconsider the decision before you can appeal to a tribunal. Do this in writing within one month of the decision date, clearly explaining which descriptors you believe are wrong and why. Include any new evidence.

Step 2: Appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal. If your Mandatory Reconsideration is unsuccessful, you can appeal to an independent tribunal within one month of the MR outcome. This is a free process. Attend in person if at all possible — in-person hearings have significantly higher success rates than paper hearings.

Get help from Citizens Advice, a welfare rights adviser, or a specialist benefits charity before your tribunal hearing. They can help you prepare your case and identify additional points and evidence.