Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help with the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition. Unlike some other benefits, PIP is not based on your income or savings — it is designed to help with the additional costs you face because of your condition.
What PIP Is For
PIP helps cover the extra costs that come with having a disability or health condition, such as:
- Adaptations to your home
- Transport costs
- Help with daily tasks
- Personal care assistance
You do not need to have paid National Insurance to qualify, and PIP is not affected by your income or savings.
Who Can Claim PIP
To be eligible for PIP, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Age: You are aged 16 or over but under state pension age
- Condition duration: Your health condition or disability has lasted for at least 3 months and is expected to continue for at least 9 months (unless you are terminally ill)
- Condition impact: You need help with daily living activities or getting around (mobility)
Terminal illness
If you are terminally ill and your doctor has told you that you have 12 months or less to live, you can claim PIP without meeting the 3-month and 9-month duration requirements. You will automatically qualify for the enhanced rate of the daily living component.
PIP Payment Rates (2026/27)
PIP is made up of two components: a daily living component and a mobility component. You can receive one or both, depending on your needs.
Daily living component
This helps with everyday tasks such as preparing food, washing, dressing, and managing medication.
| Rate | Weekly amount | Monthly amount |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | £72.65 | £314.83 |
| Enhanced | £108.55 | £470.51 |
Mobility component
This helps with getting around, either physically or with planning and following journeys.
| Rate | Weekly amount | Monthly amount |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | £28.70 | £124.35 |
| Enhanced | £75.75 | £328.14 |
The enhanced rate of the mobility component also allows you to lease a car through the Motability Scheme, which provides a vehicle for personal use.
Example payments
- Daily living standard only: £72.65 per week
- Daily living enhanced + mobility standard: £184.30 per week
- Daily living enhanced + mobility enhanced: £184.30 per week (maximum)
Payments are usually made every four weeks directly into your bank account.
How the Assessment Works
After you apply, the DWP will send you a form called “How your disability affects you” to complete. This form asks about how your condition affects your daily life.
Descriptors and points
Your application is assessed using a system of descriptors. Each descriptor describes a level of difficulty with a specific daily living or mobility task. You are scored based on how your condition affects each activity.
Each descriptor has a points value. Points are awarded as follows:
- 0 points: You can do the activity without difficulty
- 2 points: You can do the activity but with some difficulty or takes longer
- 4 points: You need aids or assistance
- 8 points: You need supervision
- 10 points: You cannot do the activity at all (or only with severe difficulty)
- 12 points: You cannot do the activity and it would be dangerous to try
How many points you need
Daily living component:
- Standard rate: 8-11 points
- Enhanced rate: 12 or more points
Mobility component:
- Standard rate: 8-11 points
- Enhanced rate: 12 or more points
The assessment
After submitting your form, you may be invited to an assessment. This can be:
- Face-to-face: At an assessment centre (usually lasting 30-60 minutes)
- Phone call: Conducted by phone
- Video call: Conducted via video link
The assessor will ask questions about your condition and how it affects your daily life. They may also observe how you move and perform tasks during the assessment.
Important: The assessment is not a medical examination. The assessor is there to understand how your condition affects your daily life, not to diagnose or treat your condition.
How to Apply
Step 1: Make a claim
You can apply for PIP by calling the DWP:
- Phone: 0800 917 2222 (freephone)
- Textphone: 0800 917 7777
- Relay UK: 18001 0800 917 2222
The DWP will take some basic information over the phone and then send you a form to complete.
Step 2: Complete the form
Once you receive the “How your disability affects you” form, you will have one calendar month to return it. You can request an extension if you need more time.
Step 3: Assessment
If your form is not enough to make a decision, the DWP may arrange an assessment with a health professional. This is usually done through an independent assessment centre.
Step 4: Decision
After the assessment, the DWP will make a decision based on all the evidence. This usually takes 8 to 12 weeks from when you first called.
Award length
PIP awards are typically made for a fixed period, after which you may need to have an assessment to confirm you still need PIP. Awards can be:
- Fixed-term: Usually 2-10 years, depending on your condition
- Indefinite: For conditions that are unlikely to improve (e.g., terminal illness or permanent disability)
If Your Claim Is Refused
If the DWP refuses your PIP claim or gives you a lower rate than you think you deserve, you have two options:
Mandatory reconsideration
First, you must ask the DWP to look at your case again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration. You must request this within one month of the decision.
- You can request a mandatory reconsideration by phone, letter, or online
- The DWP will review all the evidence and make a new decision
- You will receive a mandatory reconsideration notice explaining the decision
Appeal to a tribunal
If you disagree with the mandatory reconsideration decision, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. You must do this within one month of the mandatory reconsideration notice.
- Appeals are usually heard at a tribunal hearing (you can attend in person or by phone/video)
- Most appeals are successful — around 70% of PIP appeals are overturned
- You can represent yourself or bring a representative
Tips for Applying
Describe your worst days
The DWP assesses you based on how your condition affects you most days, not just your best days. If you have good days and bad days, describe your worst days.
Use specific examples
Instead of saying “I struggle with cooking,” give specific examples:
- “I burnt myself twice last month because I forgot the hob was on”
- “I need my partner to stand in the kitchen with me while I cook”
- “I cannot use a knife safely because of my tremor”
Get help from Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice can help you complete your PIP form. They can:
- Help you understand the descriptors and how they apply to your condition
- Ensure you describe your difficulties clearly
- Help you gather supporting evidence
You can find your local Citizens Advice at citizensadvice.org.uk or call 0800 144 8444.
Gather supporting evidence
Get letters from your GP, consultant, or other healthcare professionals that confirm your condition and how it affects you. This evidence can support your application.
Be honest
Do not exaggerate your difficulties, but do not downplay them either. The DWP can check information and may ask for additional evidence.
PIP and Other Benefits
PIP can affect or be affected by other benefits:
- Universal Credit: You may receive additional elements in Universal Credit if you receive PIP
- Attendance Allowance: You cannot receive PIP and Attendance Allowance at the same time — Attendance Allowance is for people over state pension age
- Carer’s Allowance: If someone cares for you for 35 hours or more per week, they may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance
- Council Tax reduction: PIP may qualify you for a council tax discount or exemption
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not describing your worst days: Only describing your best days will lead to a lower score
- Being too vague: Give specific, concrete examples of how your condition affects you
- Forgetting to mention aids: If you use walking sticks, medication reminders, or other aids, mention them — they can increase your points
- Not getting help: Citizens Advice and disability charities can help you complete your form correctly
- Missing deadlines: Return your form on time and request mandatory reconsideration within one month if refused
Summary
PIP is a valuable benefit that helps cover the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition. It is not based on your income or savings, and the application process is designed to understand how your condition affects your daily life. If you think you may be eligible, contact the DWP to start your claim. Remember to describe your worst days, give specific examples, and get help from Citizens Advice if you need it.