Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is not a means-tested benefit (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 or are struggling 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

Read how to make a claim in the Disability Rights UK guide.

PIP awards

Awards can be for up to 2 years or a longer period, such as 5 or 10 years.

In exceptional cases, where an applicant’s needs are unlikely to change, awards can be ongoing.

All awards will be reviewed from time to time to make sure the support level awarded is still appropriate.

Warning Coronavirus and benefits assessments

Face-to-face assessments for all sickness and disability benefits are suspended for the next 3 months from 24 March 2020.

Face-to-face health assessments (GOV.UK)

PIP assessments

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

an existing DLA claimant’s 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 be reassessed for PIP. It's important that you make a claim for PIP if asked to do so by the DWP or 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

PIP assessment support

Use the PIP checker (GOV.UK)

What extra help PIP entitles you to (Citizens Advice)

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 to complete which asks questions about your care and mobility needs. If you cannot return the form within the 1 month deadline, ask for a 2 week extension.