What is PIP?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means tested benefit for people aged between 16 and state pension age who have a long-term health condition or disability, which means they have difficulties with daily living activities or getting around.
PIP helps with some of the extra costs that disabled people may face day-to-day, to help them lead full, active and independent lives and is made up of two components:
- daily living – a contribution to the extra costs people face in their day-to-day lives
-
mobility – a contribution to the extra costs people face in their day-to-day lives that relate to getting around
In some cases, we can carry out your PIP consultation using the information in your application form and any supporting information you have sent to the Department for Communities (DfC). However, most people will need to have a consultation. This may be done over the telephone or face-to-face at one of our consultation centres.
There are lots of organisations that can help and support you with your PIP claim. Click here to find a free, independent advice organisation in your area.
PIP consultations are not medical, the disability assessor will not diagnose your condition or recommend treatment. It is a functional consultation to understand how your health condition or disability affects you.
Getting started
If you decide that PIP is right for you, the first step is to get in touch with the DfC.
You will be sent a form in the post called 'How your disability affects you', along with an information booklet to help you complete it. You will need to return the form and any supporting information within a month. Supporting information can help our disability assessors to understand how your health condition or disability affects you.
Supporting information can include:
- Repeat prescription lists
- Carer's diary or letter
- Recent reports or treatment plans from:
- GPs or consultants
- District nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Social workers
- Learning disability support teams
- Family members who provide support or care
Watch this short video to learn more about claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Consultations
One of our qualified disability assessors will assess you. They are all nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists or paramedics and they have all been specially trained in carrying out functional consultations.
During the consultation, the disability assessor will ask you questions about how your health condition or disability affects you and how you manage day-to-day activities.
Remember, our disability assessors are there to help and support you. They are not looking to catch you out, so don’t worry about getting every word right and don’t worry if you get upset.
