What Personal Independence Payment is and who can claim it

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a monthly benefit paid by the UK government to people aged 16 to 64 who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects their daily life. You do not need to have worked or paid National Insurance contributions to claim it. The payment is not means-tested, which means your savings or income from other sources do not affect whether you can receive it.

PIP has two components: a daily living component and a mobility component. You may receive one, both, or neither depending on how your condition affects you. The amount you receive each month varies based on which components you may have access to for and at what rate — standard or enhanced. Payments typically range from around £60 to £627 per month, depending on your circumstances.

You can claim PIP even if you are already receiving other benefits like Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance. However, you cannot claim PIP if you are under 16, over 64 (unless you were already receiving it), or if you have recently left the UK.

Key Takeaways

  • You can claim PIP by phone, post, or online through the UK government's official website, and the process usually takes 8 to 12 weeks from start to decision.
  • You will need to describe how your condition affects your daily activities like eating, washing, walking, and communicating, with specific examples of what you struggle with.
  • The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may ask you to attend a face-to-face assessment with a healthcare professional, though some claims are decided on paper alone.
  • You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration if you disagree with the decision, and you have the right to appeal to an independent tribunal if you remain unhappy.
  • Support services like Citizens information and disability charities can help you gather evidence and complete your claim at no cost.

How to start your claim with the Department for Work and Pensions

To claim PIP, you must contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) directly. You can do this in three ways: by calling the PIP claim line on 0800 917 2222 (textphone 0800 917 7777), by post using a claim form, or online through the gov.uk website. The phone line is usually the fastest route because the DWP will take your details over the call and send you a claim form to complete at home.

When you call, have your National Insurance number ready. The DWP will ask basic questions about your health condition, when it started, and whether you have seen a doctor about it. They will also ask if you have claimed PIP before. This call typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. After the call, the DWP will post you a detailed claim form within a few days.

If you prefer not to call, you can request a claim form by post or start your claim online at gov.uk/pip. The online route is faster — you can complete it in one session and submit when ready, rather than waiting for a form to arrive by post. Whichever method you use, you must claim before your 65th birthday if you want to start receiving PIP at that age.

What information and evidence you need to gather before you claim

Before you complete your claim form, gather documents that show how your condition affects you. The DWP does not require a diagnosis letter, but medical evidence helps. Collect: letters from your GP or hospital, prescriptions you take regularly, appointment letters showing ongoing treatment, and any reports from specialists. If you have not seen a doctor recently, consider booking an appointment before you claim — the DWP takes active medical involvement seriously.

You will also need to write down specific examples of how your condition affects daily activities. The claim form asks about eating and drinking, washing and bathing, using the toilet, dressing and undressing, communicating, reading and understanding, mixing with other people, and moving around. For each area, describe what you find difficult, how often it happens, and what help you need. For example, instead of writing "I have trouble walking," write "I can walk about 50 metres before my legs hurt too much to continue. I use a walking stick and need to sit down for 10 minutes before I can walk again."

If you do not have medical evidence, you can still claim. The DWP will consider statements from family members, carers, friends, or support workers who see you regularly. Ask them to write a short letter describing what they observe about your condition and how it affects you. Keep copies of everything you send — the DWP sometimes loses documents, and you may need them later if you appeal.

Completing the claim form and what happens next

The claim form is lengthy — typically 20 to 30 pages depending on your circumstances. Take your time and answer every question. The form asks you to describe your condition, when it started, what treatment you receive, and how it affects you on a daily basis. Be honest and detailed. Vague answers like "I struggle sometimes" do not help the DWP understand your situation. Specific examples — "I can shower but need to sit down halfway through because I get dizzy" — carry much more weight.

Once you submit your form, the DWP will send you a letter confirming they have received it. This letter includes a reference number — keep it safe because you will need it for any future contact. The DWP then has up to 12 weeks to make a decision, though many claims are decided faster. During this time, they may contact your GP or hospital for medical records, or they may invite you to a face-to-face assessment.

If the DWP decides to hold an assessment, you will receive a letter with the date, time, and location. The assessment is carried out by a healthcare professional (not a doctor) who works for a private company contracted by the DWP. They will ask you questions about your condition and watch how you move and manage tasks. You can bring a support person with you — a family member, carer, or representative from a charity. Tell the assessor if you need adjustments, such as a longer appointment or a break during the assessment.

Understanding the decision and what to do if you disagree

The DWP will send you a decision letter explaining whether you have been awarded PIP, at what rate, and for how long. The letter also explains how much you will receive each month. If you have been awarded PIP, payment usually starts within a few weeks of the decision. Payments are made directly into your bank account every four weeks.

If you disagree with the decision, you have one month from the date of the letter to ask for a mandatory reconsideration. This is a free process where the DWP reviews the decision again. Write to the address on your decision letter and explain why you think the decision is wrong. Include any new evidence — for example, a recent letter from your doctor or a statement from your carer. The DWP will usually respond within 4 to 8 weeks.

If you remain unhappy after mandatory reconsideration, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. This is a hearing in front of a judge and two other panel members who have no connection to the DWP. You do not have to attend in person — you can ask for a paper-based hearing or attend by video call. Many people win at tribunal, especially if they have new evidence or if the assessment was rushed. You have three months from the mandatory reconsideration decision to lodge your appeal.

Getting help with your claim

You do not have to claim alone. Citizens information offers free help with PIP claims, including information completing the form and preparing for assessments. Your local Citizens information office can be found at citizensadvice.org.uk. Many disability charities also offer support — organizations like Scope, Mind, and the MS Society have advisers who understand PIP and can guide you through the process.

If you are struggling financially while you wait for a decision, you may be able to get a Advance Payment from the DWP. This is a loan against your future PIP payments. You can ask for an advance payment when you claim or at any point while your claim is being processed. The DWP will deduct the loan from your first payments once you are awarded PIP.

Some people use representatives — either a family member or a paid adviser — to handle their claim on their behalf. If you choose a representative, you must tell the DWP in writing and give them permission to act for you. Make sure any paid representative is registered with the Office of the Public Guardian or is part of a recognized organization.

How long PIP lasts and when to report changes

PIP is awarded for a set period — usually between 2 and 10 years depending on how stable your condition is expected to be. Before your award ends, the DWP will contact you to ask whether your condition has changed. You must tell them if it has, because your award may be extended or the rate may change. If your condition improves, your payments may reduce or stop.

You must also report changes while you are receiving PIP. If your condition gets worse, you can ask the DWP to reassess you. If your condition improves, you are legally required to tell the DWP — failing to do so can result in overpayments that you will have to repay. Changes to report include starting or stopping treatment, moving house, going into hospital, or any significant change in how your condition affects you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim PIP if I am already receiving other benefits?

Yes. PIP is not affected by other benefits you receive, such as Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, or Disability Living Allowance. You can claim PIP alongside these payments. However, if you are currently receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you will eventually need to move to PIP — the DWP will contact you when this happens.

What if I have not seen a doctor recently?

You can still claim PIP without recent medical evidence. The DWP will contact your GP to request your medical records. However, if you have not seen a doctor in several years, the DWP may be less convinced that your condition is ongoing. If you can, book an appointment with your GP before you claim so there is recent evidence on your medical record.

How much will I receive each month?

PIP payments vary based on which components you receive and at what rate. As of 2024, the daily living component ranges from around £60 to £90 per week, and the mobility component ranges from around £23 to £63 per week. Rates change each year in April. The DWP will tell you the exact amount in your decision letter.

What happens if I disagree with the assessment?

You can ask for mandatory reconsideration within one month of your decision letter. If you remain unhappy, you can appeal to an independent tribunal within three months of the reconsideration decision. Many appeals succeed, especially if you have new evidence or if the assessment did not properly reflect your condition.

Can I work while receiving PIP?

Yes. PIP is not affected by how much you work or earn. You can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed and still receive PIP. There is no limit on earnings. However, if you are claiming Universal Credit as well, your earnings will affect that benefit.