How to apply for PIP (Personal Independence Payment)

Step 1: Check if You’re Eligible

You may qualify for PIP if:

• You’re aged 16 or over and under State Pension age

• You have a long-term health condition or disability

• You’ve had these difficulties for at least 3 months

• You expect them to continue for at least 9 more months

• You live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland (Scotland has a different system)

Use this checker:
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/pip/eligibility

Step 2: Call to Start Your Claim

You must start your claim by phone. Call the PIP new claims number:

📞 Telephone: 0800 917 2222
📠 Textphone: 0800 917 7777
🕒 Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

You’ll need to give:

• Your full name, address, and date of birth

• National Insurance number

• Phone number

• Bank or building society account details

• GP or health professional’s contact details

• Details of any hospital stays or care homes

You can also request a paper form instead of calling, but calling is faster.

Step 3: Fill In the “How Your Disability Affects You” Form

You’ll receive a form called "PIP2" — this is where you give detailed information about:

• Daily living difficulties (e.g. washing, dressing, cooking, managing money)

• Mobility issues (e.g. walking, using public transport)

• Describe each task with examples of how your condition affects you

• Mention pain, fatigue, mental health, or need for supervision where relevant

👉 You usually get 1 month to return it.

Tip: Use the PIP descriptors to understand how they score each activity:
🔗 https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system

Step 4: Submit Supporting Evidence

Send any medical or professional evidence that supports your claim:

• GP or consultant letters

• Social worker reports

• Occupational therapist assessments

• Prescription lists

• Care plans

📮 Post it along with your PIP2 form or separately with your National Insurance number clearly written on it.

Step 5: Attend a Medical Assessment (If Required)

Most people are invited to an assessment, usually by phone or in person.

It’s done by a health professional who will ask questions about your daily life and mobility. Be honest, detailed, and clear. If possible, keep a symptom diary to help you explain your condition.

Step 6: Get a Decision Letter

You’ll receive a decision letter from the DWP that tells you:

• If you’re awarded PIP

• What rate you’ll get (Daily Living and/or Mobility, standard or enhanced)

• For how long

If you disagree, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration within 1 month.

Payment Amounts (2025 rates may vary slightly):

• Daily Living Component:

  • Standard: ~£72.65/week

  • Enhanced: ~£108.55/week

• Mobility Component:

  • Standard: ~£28.70/week

  • Enhanced: ~£75.75/week

(Paid every 4 weeks, tax-free, not affected by income or savings)