Personal Independence Payment

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is not a means-tested benefit. This means it is not affected by earnings, other income or savings.

You must be over 16 and have not yet reached State Pension Age to claim.

PIP components

PIP has 2 parts:

• daily living component for people who need help to take part in everyday life
• mobility component for people who find it hard to get around

Each component has a standard or enhanced level, assessed under 12 activities, 10 for daily living and 2 for mobility. For both components, you need:

• 8 to 11 points for the standard rate
• 12 points or more for the enhanced rate

To qualify, you must have met the conditions for 3 months and be likely to meet them for the next 9 months.

Do a PIP self-test (Benefits and Money)

PIP: a guide to making a claim (Disability Rights UK)

PIP awards

Awards are for 18 months or can be for a longer period, such as 5 or 10 years.

In exceptional cases, where your needs are unlikely to change, awards can be ongoing.

All awards will be reviewed from time to time to check your support meets your needs.

What extra help PIP entitles you to (Citizens Advice)

Re-assessments

Existing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claimants are only reassessed if:

• a fixed-term award is ending soon
• an existing applicant is approaching age 16
• the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) receives information about a change in a claimant's care or mobility

All working-age people still receiving DLA are likely to be reassessed for PIP. It's important that you make a claim for PIP if the DWP asks you or if your DLA will end.

If you were 65 or over on 8 April 2013 and receiving DLA, you can continue to receive it as long as you satisfy the entitlement conditions.

Preparing for your PIP assessment

How to claim PIP

• Call free on 0800 917 2222
• Textphone 0800 917 7777 or NGT text relay 18001 0800 917 2222

You will need basic details including your National Insurance number, bank account details and details of your GP or other health professional. You will receive a form. This asks questions about your care and mobility needs. If you cannot return the form within the 1-month deadline, you can ask for 2 more weeks to complete this.

PIP appeals

If you have a query, call the PIP helpline on 0800 121 4433.

How to appeal a PIP decision

How to win an appeal (Advicenow)