PIP reading: descriptors and example answers

What the activity asks

Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words is question 10 on the PIP2 form. It asks whether you can read and understand ordinary printed or handwritten text, such as a letter, a form, or a sign, in standard-size text and in your own language.

It's not about whether you enjoy reading. It's about whether you can read and understand what's in front of you reliably.

What counts for this activity

Things that count include:

• glasses or contact lenses count as a normal part of reading, not as an aid;
• an aid such as a magnifier, large print, or an app that reads text aloud does count as an aid;
• needing prompting to read or understand complex written information, such as a detailed letter;
• needing prompting even for basic written information, such as a simple sign or label.

Basic information and complex information are looked at separately, so say which is harder for you.

What 'reliably' means

For every activity, DWP should only count what you can do:

• safely, without a real risk of missing something important, such as a warning or a bill;
• to an acceptable standard, so you actually understand it, not just recognise the words;
• repeatedly, each time you need to, not just once;
• in a reasonable time, no more than twice as long as someone without your condition.

If you often need prompting, or someone else deals with your post, say so.

The descriptors

These are the official statements, from no difficulty to not being able to read at all. DWP picks the one that fits you on more than half of days. The PIP descriptors guide shows how each one is scored.

1. Can read and understand basic and complex written information either unaided or using spectacles or contact lenses.
2. Needs to use an aid or appliance, other than spectacles or contact lenses, to be able to read or understand either basic or complex written information.
3. Needs prompting to be able to read or understand complex written information.
4. Needs prompting to be able to read or understand basic written information.
5. Cannot read or understand signs, symbols or words at all.

Example answers

Invented examples, not real claims. Write your own, in your own words, about your own day.

This doesn't say what's hard, what you use, or what happens as a result.

This gives what you can and can't manage, what happens with an aid, and a real example.

Good days and bad days

DWP looks at what's true on more than half of days over a year. If your reading varies, say what happens on a typical day and on a bad day, and how many bad days you have in a normal week or month.

Evidence that helps

Useful evidence includes a letter from an optometrist, GP or consultant that mentions your sight or reading, a hospital or clinic report, or a note from someone who reads for you. Send copies, not originals. See what to send with your PIP form.

Common questions