Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that helps people with disabilities cover the extra costs caused by long-term ill health or disability. To qualify for PIP, you must be aged 16 to state pension age and have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. You also need to have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around.
The PIP eligibility criteria
To qualify for PIP, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You are aged 16 or over and under state pension age
- You have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
- Your condition or disability affects your ability to carry out everyday tasks and get around
- You have needed help with these difficulties for 3 months and expect them to continue for at least 9 months
PIP looks at how your condition affects you, not the condition itself. You can qualify for PIP whether you’re in or out of work.
Long-term health conditions that may qualify
PIP covers a wide range of long-term physical and mental health conditions, including:
- Sensory conditions, such as blindness, deafness, or loss of speech
- Musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis or back pain
- Respiratory diseases, such as asthma or COPD
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus or multiple sclerosis
- Neurological conditions, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s, or dementia
- Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar, or schizophrenia
- Learning disabilities like autism or ADHD
- Terminal illnesses
- Any condition that impacts your body, senses, or brain function
This is not a complete list. Even less common or undiagnosed conditions may qualify if they affect your daily living and mobility over the long term.
How disability is assessed
PIP looks at how your condition impacts your daily life, even if you’re taking medication. The assessment focuses on any difficulties you have with:
- Daily living tasks – such as preparing food, eating, washing, bathing, dressing, communicating
- Mobility – such as walking distances, going up stairs, leaving the house
You may qualify if you need help doing these tasks, need prompting or supervision, need modified equipment, or cannot do them safely or reliably. The disability must be expected to last 12 months.
Scoring points
Each activity is scored points depending on your capability. You need:
- 8 points for the standard daily living rate (£61.85/week)
- 12 points for the enhanced daily living rate (£92.40/week)
- 8 points for the standard mobility rate (£24.45/week)
- 12 points for the enhanced mobility rate (£64.50/week)
Most people get either the standard or enhanced rate of both components. You can qualify for PIP even if you scored zero points on one component.
How to claim PIP
You start a PIP claim by calling the DWP on 0800 917 2222. They will send you a form to complete, explaining how your condition affects your daily living and mobility.
It’s important to:
- Provide full details about how your condition impacts your daily life.
- Include copies of any medical evidence you have.
- Respond before the deadline on the form.
The DWP will then assess your claim and may ask you to attend a medical assessment. Most people have to go to an assessment centre but home visits can be arranged in some cases.
After assessment
The DWP will write to you with their decision. There are three possible outcomes:
- PIP awarded – you’ll be told what rate you’ll get and how long it’s for.
- PIP rejected – you’ll be given reasons why.
- More information needed – the DWP will contact you if they need anything else.
Awards are usually for a fixed period of time, after which your needs are reassessed. Most PIP awards are between 1-10 years.
Challenging a decision
If your PIP claim is rejected or you were awarded a lower rate than expected, you can ask the DWP to reconsider. This is called a mandatory reconsideration.
If that fails, you have the right to appeal to an independent tribunal. Many people win their appeals, so don’t give up if you think the decision is wrong.
Conclusion
PIP provides essential financial support to people under state pension age with long-term physical or mental health conditions. It is not means-tested and depends solely on how your disability affects your daily living and mobility. Satisfying the basic eligibility criteria is the first step to claiming PIP. Providing strong supporting evidence then boosts your chance of being awarded this vital benefit.