What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with the extra costs of disability or long-term health conditions for people aged 16 to 64.
It is a non-means tested benefit. So getting it doesn’t matter how much you earn, or whether you have savings or capital.
Who can get PIP
To get PIP, you must:
- need help with everyday tasks or getting around, or both
- have needed this help for at least 3 months and expect to need it for at least another 9 months (unless you are terminally ill with less than six months to live).
PIP Rates
Personal Independence Payment is made up of two components:
Depending on how your condition affects you, it’s possible to get one component or both, and either the standard or the enhanced rate.
This is worked out using the results of an assessment.
Personal Independence Payment is made up of two components:
- The Mobility component might be paid if you need help getting about.
- The Daily Living component might be paid if you need help with carrying out everyday activities, such as washing and dressing.
Depending on how your condition affects you, it’s possible to get one component or both, and either the standard or the enhanced rate.
This is worked out using the results of an assessment.
How to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Claim by telephone by calling the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 917 2222. Other ways to claim can be found on GOV.UK.
If you’re in Northern Ireland call nidirect - for new claims, call 0800 012 1573.
They will then check you’re eligible to claim. If you’re eligible, DWP will send you a form called ‘How your disability affects you’.
It is very important you fill in this form carefully and give as much detail as you can about your condition. The Citizens Advice website has a helpful article on help filling in your PIP claim form.
When DWP receives this form they will decide whether you need a medical assessment. Or they could decide to ask your health or social care worker for information.
If you need an assessment, this is usually a face-to-face consultation with an independent, trained health professional.
The assessment is designed to work out what your individual needs are.
It will focus on how well you can carry out a range of activities you need to do to cope with everyday life. The Citizens Advice website offers guidance on preparing for your PIP assessment.
After your assessment, you’ll get a letter with a decision about whether you can get PIP and how much it will be.
If you get PIP, your award will be regularly reassessed to see if your condition has changed.
If you are already claiming Disability Living Allowance
If you’re already claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA) you’ll get a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (or the Social Security Agency in Northern Ireland) inviting you to make a claim for Personal Independence Payment.
This will happen even if you currently have an indefinite or lifetime award of DLA
If you are over 65 and getting Disability Living Allowance
If you’re aged 65 or over and already getting Disability Living Allowance, you won’t be affected by the changes and will continue to get DLA.
If you’re aged 65 or over and already getting Disability Living Allowance, you won’t be affected by the changes and will continue to get DLA.
Moving from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payments
The Department for Work and Pensions expects most people who are getting DLA should qualify for PIP.
However, the two benefits have different qualifying conditions, so it’s possible you might be entitled to a higher or lower rate of payment, or you won’t be entitled to anything.
Read more about what to do if your award changes in our guides:
Moving from DLA to PIP - coping with income changes.
Moving from DLA to PIP – what to do if your award is reduced or stopped.
The Department for Work and Pensions expects most people who are getting DLA should qualify for PIP.
However, the two benefits have different qualifying conditions, so it’s possible you might be entitled to a higher or lower rate of payment, or you won’t be entitled to anything.
Read more about what to do if your award changes in our guides:
Moving from DLA to PIP - coping with income changes.
Moving from DLA to PIP – what to do if your award is reduced or stopped.
How to challenge a Personal Independence Payment decision
If you’re unhappy about a decision on your PIP claim, you can challenge it - but it’s important to follow the correct process.
Find out more in our guide ‘How to appeal against a disability benefits decision’.
