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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for working-age adults aged 16 to State Pension age whose health condition or disability affects their daily living or mobility. It is not means-tested, so your income, savings, and employment status do not affect eligibility. You can work full-time and still receive PIP. The benefit is designed to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability.

PIP has two components — daily living and mobility — each paid at either a standard or enhanced rate. The daily living component covers extra costs from needing help with everyday activities such as preparing food, washing, dressing, communicating, and managing medication. The mobility component covers extra costs from difficulties planning or following journeys and moving around. You may be eligible for one or both components.

Many people with physical conditions, mental health conditions, sensory conditions, cognitive difficulties, or learning disabilities may be eligible. PIP is not limited to visible disabilities — conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, epilepsy, Crohn's disease, and many others can qualify. Around 3.4 million people in the UK currently receive PIP.

Receiving PIP can also unlock additional support. The mobility component at the enhanced rate can give you access to the Motability Scheme and automatic eligibility for a Blue Badge. Someone who cares for you could claim Carer's Allowance. You may also qualify for a Council Tax disability reduction and disability premiums on other benefits such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.

Maximum amount

Up to £184.30/wk

Means-tested

No

Age group

Working age (16–64)

Processing time

12 to 16 weeks (including assessment)

Key Requirements

  • 1Aged 16 to State Pension age
  • 2Health condition affecting daily living or mobility
  • 3Difficulties lasted or expected to last 3+ months

How to Apply

  1. 1Call 0800 917 2222 to start your claim — they will take initial details over the phone
  2. 2You will be sent the form "How your disability affects you" (PIP2) to complete within 1 month
  3. 3Complete and return the form with any supporting evidence
  4. 4Attend an assessment with a health professional (usually face-to-face or by phone)
  5. 5The DWP will send a decision letter

What you may need

  • Your National Insurance number
  • Bank or building society details
  • GP and consultant details
  • Details of medications, treatments, and therapies
  • Any reports from health professionals

Helpful tips

  • Describe your worst days — assessors need to understand the full impact of your condition
  • Include how long each task takes you compared to someone without your condition
  • If you need aids or appliances, mention them specifically
  • Consider taking someone with you to the assessment for support
  • You can record the assessment — just let them know in advance

Phone

0800 917 2222

Form

PIP2

Official page

GOV.UK →

Evidence You May Need

Essential

GP contact details

Name, address, and phone number of your GP surgery

Essential

Consultant/specialist details

Details of any hospital consultants who treat you

Recommended

Prescription list

A list of all current medications

Recommended

GP support letter

A letter from your GP describing your condition and its impact

Helpful

Care diary

A record of help you need each day over 1–2 weeks

Helpful

Hospital letters or reports

Any recent letters, test results, or discharge summaries

Benefits You Could Unlock with Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may make you eligible for additional support. These are sometimes called “passported” or “cascading” benefits — you could qualify automatically or with a simplified application.

+

Carer's Allowance

Someone who cares for you 35+ hours/week could claim this

Up to £83.30/wk

+

Blue Badge

PIP mobility component (8+ points) can qualify you automatically

+

Motability Scheme

Enhanced rate mobility component lets you lease a car, scooter, or wheelchair

+

Council Tax Reduction

Receiving PIP may qualify you for a Council Tax disability reduction

Related Benefits

Attendance Allowance

For people over State Pension age who need help with personal care.

Up to £110.40/wk

Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

For people whose health limits their ability to work.

Up to £138.20/wk

Carer's Allowance

For people who care for someone with a disability 35+ hours per week.

Up to £81.90/wk

Blue Badge

Parking concession for people with mobility difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may be eligible for PIP?
PIP is for people aged 16 to State Pension age with a health condition or disability that has affected them for at least 3 months and is expected to continue for at least 9 months. It covers both physical and mental health conditions. You do not need to have a specific diagnosis — the assessment focuses on how your condition affects you day to day.
How much could I receive from PIP?
PIP is paid at different rates depending on how your condition affects you. The daily living component is up to £108.55/week (standard: £72.65, enhanced: £108.55). The mobility component is up to £75.75/week (standard: £28.70, enhanced: £75.75). The combined maximum is up to £184.30/week (approximately £9,580/year).
Can I claim PIP if I work?
Yes. PIP is not affected by your employment status or earnings. You can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed and still receive PIP if your condition meets the eligibility criteria. There is no earnings limit.
What happens at a PIP assessment?
A health professional (not a DWP decision-maker) will ask how your condition affects daily activities and mobility. Assessments are usually face-to-face at a local centre, but can be by telephone or video call. They typically last 60 to 90 minutes. You can bring someone for support. It helps to describe your worst days, mention any aids or appliances you use, and bring supporting medical evidence.
How long does a PIP claim take?
PIP claims typically take 12 to 16 weeks from the initial call to receiving a decision, including the health assessment stage. You start by calling 0800 917 2222. The DWP sends you a "How your disability affects you" form (PIP2) to complete within 1 month. After that, you attend an assessment, and the DWP makes a decision.
What can I do if my PIP claim is not successful?
If your claim is unsuccessful or you receive a lower award than expected, you can request a Mandatory Reconsideration within 1 month of the decision. Around 25% of reconsiderations result in a changed decision. If that is unsuccessful, you can appeal to an independent tribunal, where around 60% of appeals are successful. Free help is available from Citizens Advice and local welfare rights services.

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.