Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects their daily life or mobility. Unlike many benefits, PIP isn't means-tested — it doesn't matter how much you earn, how much you have in savings, or whether you're working. What matters is how your condition affects you.
The two components
PIP has two parts, and you can be awarded one or both:
Daily living component — for people who need help with everyday activities like preparing food, washing, dressing, managing medicines, communicating, and engaging with other people.
Mobility component — for people who have difficulty getting around, planning and following journeys, or who need help moving from one place to another.
Each component has two rates:
Daily living: Standard rate £72.65 per week. Enhanced rate £108.55 per week.
Mobility: Standard rate £28.70 per week. Enhanced rate £75.75 per week.
The maximum combined award is £184.30 per week (enhanced daily living plus enhanced mobility). PIP is tax-free and paid every four weeks.
Eligibility
To claim PIP, you must be aged 16 to State Pension age, have had your condition for at least three months, and expect it to continue for at least nine months. You must normally live in England, Scotland, or Wales (Northern Ireland has its own equivalent). You don't need a specific diagnosis — what matters is the impact of your condition on your daily life.
PIP is being reformed, and the government has announced plans to change how it works. Check GOV.UK for the latest eligibility rules, as they may change.
The points system
PIP uses a points-based assessment across specific activities. For daily living, there are 10 activities (preparing food, taking nutrition, managing therapy, washing and bathing, managing toilet needs, dressing, communicating, reading, engaging face-to-face, and making budgeting decisions). For mobility, there are two (planning and following journeys, and moving around).
Each activity is scored based on how much difficulty you have or how much help you need. You need 8 points for the standard rate and 12 points for the enhanced rate of each component. Points are scored on each activity, and the total determines your award.
The descriptors are specific. For example, under "preparing food," scoring 0 means you can prepare and cook a simple meal unaided. Scoring 2 means you need to use an aid or appliance to prepare or cook a simple meal. Scoring 4 means you need prompting. Scoring 8 means you cannot prepare and cook food at all. Understanding the descriptors helps you describe your situation accurately.
Making a claim
Start by calling the PIP claim line (0800 917 2222). You'll answer initial questions over the phone, then receive a "How your disability affects you" form (PIP 2). This is your main opportunity to explain the impact of your condition. Fill it in thoroughly and honestly — don't downplay your difficulties. Describe your worst days, not your best.
Include supporting evidence: letters from your GP, consultant, occupational therapist, social worker, or anyone involved in your care. Medical evidence from healthcare professionals carries significant weight.
The assessment
After submitting your form, you'll usually be invited to a face-to-face assessment with a health professional (not your own doctor). The assessment typically lasts 45-90 minutes and involves questions about how your condition affects daily life. The assessor may also carry out some physical observations.
Tips for the assessment: be honest and don't put on a brave face. Describe how you are on a bad day, not your best day. If you need rest breaks, say so. If you can do something but only slowly, with difficulty, or with aids, explain that. Take someone with you for support if it helps — you're allowed to.
The assessor writes a report with recommended scores, which the DWP decision maker uses (along with your form and evidence) to make the award decision.
Challenging a decision
If you disagree with the decision — and many people do — you can request a mandatory reconsideration within one month. If you're still unhappy after reconsideration, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. A significant proportion of tribunal appeals succeed (around 65-70%), which suggests that initial assessments often understate the impact of conditions.
Get help with your challenge. Citizens Advice, disability charities, and welfare rights organisations can support you through the process. Having professional help with mandatory reconsideration and tribunal appeals significantly improves outcomes.
Reviews and reassessments
PIP awards are usually made for a fixed period (1-10 years), after which you'll be reassessed. Some awards are "ongoing" with a light-touch review at 10 years. If your condition changes (improves or worsens), you should report this — an improvement won't necessarily reduce your award immediately, and a worsening could lead to an increased award.