How to Apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

 If you have a long-term health condition, disability or illness that affects your daily life or mobility, you may be able to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Applying for PIP can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can help you prepare and give your claim the best chance of success.

Before starting your claim, it can be helpful to gather:

• Your National Insurance number.
• Contact details for your GP or other healthcare professionals.
• Details of medications you take.
• Information about treatments or appointments.
• Notes about how your condition affects your daily life.
• Supporting evidence, where available.

Remember, PIP is awarded based on how your condition affects you, not simply because you have a particular diagnosis.

To begin a PIP claim, you will need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

You will be asked for basic information, including:

• Your name and address.
• Date of birth.
• National Insurance number.
• Contact details.
• Bank account details.
• Information about any time spent abroad or in hospital.

Once your claim is registered, the DWP will send you a form to complete.

This is one of the most important parts of the application process.

The form asks about how your condition affects activities such as:

• Daily Living Activities
• Preparing food.
• Eating and drinking.
• Managing medication.
• Washing and bathing.
• Dressing and undressing.
• Communicating with others.
• Reading and understanding information.
• Managing money.
• Mobility Activities
• Planning and following journeys.
• Moving around.

• What difficulties you experience.
• How often they occur.
• Whether you need help from another person.
• Whether tasks take longer than expected.
• Any pain, fatigue, anxiety or risks involved.

Provide real-life examples wherever possible.

Supporting evidence can strengthen your claim by showing how your condition affects your daily life.

Useful evidence may include:

• GP letters.
• Hospital reports.
• Consultant letters.
• Occupational therapy reports.
• Care plans.
• Mental health support plans.
• Prescription records.
• Letters from carers or support workers.

You can submit copies rather than original documents wherever possible.

Most applicants will be invited to an assessment.

This may take place:

• By telephone.
  
• By video call.
  
• In person.
• Occasionally through a paper-based assessment without an interview.

The assessment is designed to understand how your condition affects your daily living and mobility.

You may be asked about:

• Your typical day.
• Tasks you find difficult.
• Support you receive.
• How your condition varies over time.

It is important to answer honestly and explain the difficulties you experience on your bad days as well as your better days.

After the assessment, the DWP will review:

• Your claim form.
• Supporting evidence.
• Assessment report.

You will then receive a decision letter explaining:

• Whether your claim has been successful.
• Which component(s) have been awarded.
• The level of award.
• How long the award will last.

PIP has two components:

For people who need help with everyday activities.

For people who need help getting around or planning journeys.

You may receive:

• Neither component.
• One component.
• Both components.

Each component can be awarded at either a standard or enhanced rate.

If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to challenge it.

The first step is usually a:

• Mandatory Reconsideration

This is where the DWP reviews the decision again.

You can submit:

• Additional evidence.
• Further explanations.
• Information that may have been overlooked.

If you still disagree after the reconsideration, you may be able to appeal to an independent tribunal.

1. Take your time completing the form.
2. Give detailed examples.
3. Explain the difficulties you experience on most days.
4. Include supporting evidence wherever possible.
5. Keep copies of everything you send.
6. Seek advice if you're unsure how to describe your circumstances.

Many people underestimate the support they need, so it's important to explain the full impact of your condition.

Our advisors can help you:

• Understand whether you may be eligible for PIP.
• Complete your application form.
• Gather supporting evidence.
• Prepare for an assessment.
• Request a Mandatory Reconsideration.
• Appeal a PIP decision.

Contact our team for free, confidential advice and support.