What is PIP?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people aged 16-64 with a long-term health condition or disability. It helps with the extra costs you may have because of your condition - not the condition itself.
PIP has two parts: Daily Living (help with everyday tasks) and Mobility (help with getting around). You can get one or both, at either the standard or enhanced rate.
Daily Living
Mobility
The PIP Assessment Process
After you apply for PIP, here's what happens:
You Fill In the "How Your Disability Affects You" Form
This is called the PIP2 form. You have 4 weeks to return it (or request an extension). Be detailed about your worst days.
An Assessment May Be Arranged
You might be invited to a face-to-face assessment, telephone assessment, or video assessment. Some claims are decided on paper evidence alone.
The Assessment Itself
A health professional (nurse, physiotherapist, etc.) will ask about how your condition affects your daily life. It usually lasts 45-90 minutes.
Decision Time
The DWP makes the final decision. You'll get a letter telling you what you've been awarded (or why you weren't awarded PIP).
What Assessors Are Looking For
Important: PIP isn't about what condition you have - it's about how your condition affects you. Two people with the same condition can have very different PIP awards.
Assessors look at whether you can do activities:
Safely
Can you do it without risking harm to yourself or others?
Repeatedly
Can you do it more than once if needed?
In a Reasonable Time
Does it take you much longer than it should?
To an Acceptable Standard
Can you do it properly?
If you struggle with any of these, that's relevant to your PIP claim - even if you can technically do the activity.
Tips for Your Assessment
Do...
- ✓Describe your worst days, not your best days
- ✓Bring someone with you for support (they can speak on your behalf)
- ✓Take your time - don't rush your answers
- ✓Bring evidence: medical letters, care plans, prescription lists
- ✓Give examples of specific incidents or difficulties
- ✓Mention if activities cause you pain or fatigue afterwards
- ✓Ask for breaks if you need them
Don't...
- ✗Downplay your difficulties or try to be "brave"
- ✗Say you "manage" without explaining how much it costs you
- ✗Assume the assessor knows about your condition
- ✗Focus on what you can do - focus on what you struggle with
- ✗Lie or exaggerate (but don't understate either)
What Activities Are Assessed?
Daily Living Activities (10 activities)
Mobility Activities (2 activities)
Your ability to work out a route and follow it
How far you can walk reliably, repeatedly, and safely
After the Assessment
After your assessment, you'll receive a decision letter. If you disagree with the decision, you have options:
Mandatory Reconsideration
Ask the DWP to look at your claim again. You must do this within 1 month of your decision. About 30% of these are successful.
Appeal to Tribunal
If mandatory reconsideration doesn't work, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. About 70% of PIP appeals are successful.
Don't Give Up
Many people who are turned down or given a lower award than expected are successful on appeal. If you believe you're entitled to PIP, it's worth pursuing.
Key Points to Remember
- ✓PIP is about how your condition affects you, not the condition itself
- ✓Always describe your worst days, not your best
- ✓Bring someone to support you at the assessment
- ✓Provide as much evidence as possible
- ✓You can appeal if you disagree with the decision
- ✓PIP is not means-tested - you can work and still get it