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 physical or mental health condition or disability, which means they have difficulties with some everyday tasks 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. There are two parts to PIP:
- a daily living part if you need help with everyday tasks
-
a mobility part if you need help with getting around
Most people will need to have an assessment. This may be done face-to-face at one of our assessment centres, over the telephone or by a video call. The remainder of assessments will be completed using the information in your application and any supporting information you have sent to the Department for Work and Pensions.
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 assessments are not medical, the health professional will not diagnose your condition or recommend treatment. It is a functional assessment 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 DWP. For more information, click the 'Start your claim' button below, or call the PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222.
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 health professionals 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 supporting information (begins at 3:01).
Assessments
One of our qualified health professionals will assess you. They are all nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists or paramedics and they have all been specially trained in carrying out functional assessments.
During the assessment, the health professional will ask you questions about how your health condition or disability affects you and how you manage day-to-day activities.
Remember, our health professionals 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.
Face-to-face assessment
Video Relay Service
Telephone assessment
Video assessment
