Personal Independence Payments (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a UK benefit designed to help people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long‑term disability, illness, or mental health condition with the extra costs of daily living and mobility. It is not means‑tested, so your income or savings do not affect eligibility, and instead the assessment focuses on how your condition impacts everyday activities such as cooking, washing, communicating, or moving around. PIP is made up of two parts - the daily living component and the mobility component - each of which can be awarded at either a standard or enhanced rate depending on the level of need, and payments are made every four weeks, tax‑free, directly into your bank account.  

To apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in England and Wales, you start by contacting the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to make a new claim. They’ll ask basic questions, then send you a detailed form (PIP2) to explain how your condition affects daily living and mobility. You’ll usually have a medical assessment before a decision is made. 

🧾 Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply for PIP 

1. Check eligibility 

1. PIP is for people aged 16–State Pension age with a long‑term physical or mental health condition or disability. 

2. It’s not means‑tested (your income or savings don’t affect eligibility). 

2. Start your claim 

1. Call the PIP new claims phone line (number on GOV.UK). 

2. You’ll be asked for basic details: name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number, GP or health professional contact. 

3. If you can’t use the phone, you can request a paper form or alternative arrangements. 

3. Receive and complete the PIP2 form (“How your disability affects you”) 

1. This is the main part of your application. 

2. You describe how your condition affects daily living (e.g., cooking, washing, communicating) and mobility (e.g., walking, planning journeys). 

3. Include supporting evidence: medical reports, letters from specialists, care plans, or statements from people who know you. 

4. Return the form 

1. Send it back by the deadline (usually one month). 

2. Keep a copy for your records. 

5. Assessment 

1. Most applicants are invited to a face‑to‑face, phone, or video assessment with a health professional. 

2. They’ll ask questions about your condition and how it affects you day‑to‑day. 

6. Decision 

1. DWP reviews your form, evidence, and assessment report. 

2. You’ll get a letter with their decision, including whether you qualify for the daily living component, the mobility component, or both, and at either the standard or enhanced rate. 

7. Payments 

1. If successful, payments are backdated to the date you started your claim. 

2. PIP is paid every 4 weeks directly into your bank account. 

Key Points 

• Timescale: It can take up to 6 months from starting your claim to receiving your first payment. 

Practical Tip 

When filling in the PIP2 form, focus on real‑life examples of difficulties you face, not just your diagnosis. For instance: 

• “I need prompting to prepare a meal safely because I forget steps.” 

• “I can’t walk more than 20 metres without severe pain.” 

Sources: GOV.UK – How to claim PIP, Citizens Advice – How to claim PIP