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Personal Independence Payment (PIP) gives extra money to help with living costs. You can get PIP if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. PIP helps when it is hard to carry out everyday tasks or get around. You can receive PIP even if: (1) you’re working, (2) have savings, (3) or are getting other benefits. To start a claim, call the ‘PIP new claims’ phone line using the webpage below. You’ll be asked a few basic questions about yourself and your condition. After that, you’ll receive a form where you can explain how your disability or condition affects your daily life and follow these tips.
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Tips: 1/10
Focus on activities (how you do tasks), not diagnosis
Focus on activities (how you do tasks), not diagnosis. PIP points come from daily-living and mobility activities (e.g., preparing food, washing, communicating, moving around). Say what you can and cannot do for each task.
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Focus on activities (how you do tasks), not diagnosis
PIP points come from daily-living and mobility activities (e.g., preparing food, washing, communicating, moving around). Say what you can and cannot do for each task.
Describe your worst days, not your best
Write about your worst days. Say how many days each week or month are bad. Use real and emotional examples from your life.
Be clear about ‘safely, repeatedly, in a reasonable time’
Say if you can only do a task only with pain, risk, very slowly, or not every time. Say if you need to stop and rest. Say if you need another person.
Give short, concrete examples for each activity
Use everyday details: cutting food safely, reading labels, getting in/out of the bath, steps and curbs, getting lost outside. Say what help or prompts you need.
Include aids and support you use
List things like stick, rail, shower seat, orthotics, magnifier, communication support, or someone who supervises or prompts you. Aids can score points.
Keep records and strong evidence together
Save copies of forms and letters. Keep a simple diary with dates: what you tried, how long it took, pain or fatigue after, and if you needed help. Ask your GP, consultant, OT/physio, or SLT for letters that describe what you can/can’t do and how this changes over time.
Make communication easier (aphasia support)
Ask for adjustments: extra time, quiet room, video/phone if easier, or large-print/easy-read letters. You can use notes or pictures. Say if you need prompts or someone to help you communicate.
Ask for an assessment you can manage and bring someone with you
If travel or the venue is hard, ask for a different location or a home visit and explain why (fatigue, mobility, communication). Bring a supporter to help you explain, remember details, and take notes.
Expect the process to take time
PIP can be slow and stressful. Plan for delays. Take breaks when completing forms. Ask for help when you need it.
Challenge decisions on time
If you disagree, ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration within the deadline. Keep copies. You can appeal after that.