How to claim PIP

Three ways to start

• By phone. Ring the PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. If you can't hear or speak on the phone, use Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 917 2222. A British Sign Language video relay service is also available.
• By post. Write to Freepost DWP PIP 1 asking to claim PIP. Include your name and address. No stamp or postcode is needed.
• Online. In some parts of England, you can claim fully online.

Someone else can make the call for you, but you usually need to be with them for it.

What they ask on the call

The call takes basic details, not the full story of your condition. Have these ready:

• your contact details and date of birth;
• your National Insurance number;
• your bank or building society details, so DWP can pay you;
• your doctor's or health worker's name, address and phone number;
• dates and addresses of any time in a care home or hospital;
• dates of any time spent abroad for more than 4 weeks at a time.

The date of this call usually counts as the start of your claim. The helper's free call card lists what to have ready, so you can tick things off before you ring.

The PIP2 form

The PIP2 form comes on paper, or as a link to fill it in online after a phone claim. It asks how your condition affects 12 everyday activities, from preparing food to moving around.

Send it back within 1 month. If you need longer, ring the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 before the deadline. See how to ask for more time and how to fill in the PIP2 form.

The assessment

Most people are then asked to an assessment with a health professional, by phone, video or in person. A few claims are decided on the form and evidence alone. See the PIP assessment: what to expect.

How long it takes

In July 2026, new claims took around 18 weeks from the first call to a decision, on average. Yours may be quicker or slower. See how long a PIP decision takes.

If you're awarded PIP, it's usually paid from the date your claim started.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

In Scotland, new claims are for Adult Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland instead of PIP. In Northern Ireland, PIP has its own claim line: 0800 012 1573.

Common questions