PIP questions, answered

No. PIP isn't based on income, savings or a partner's earnings. It's paid because of the extra cost of a long-term health condition or disability, based on the help needed with daily living or getting around - unlike means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit.

Yes. PIP isn't affected by working or how much you earn. It's not an out-of-work benefit - it's based on the help you need because of a health condition or disability, whether you're employed, self-employed, or not working at all.

PIP itself isn't reduced by other benefits you get. Getting PIP can affect what you're entitled to elsewhere - some means-tested benefits, support for a carer, or a Blue Badge application - because they can use PIP as part of their own criteria. Check your award letter or an adviser for your own situation.

Yes. PIP isn't limited to physical conditions - mental health conditions, learning disabilities and cognitive conditions can all qualify, based on the same test: how much the condition affects your daily living and mobility, not the diagnosis itself. Read more →

Claims can take several months from your first call to a decision letter - it varies a lot depending on your circumstances and the assessment provider. If you're awarded PIP, payment is usually backdated to when you first contacted DWP to claim, not the date of the decision. Read more →

Yes. A family member, friend or carer can help you fill it in, or fill it in for you if you tell them what to write - the answers should still reflect your own words and experience. Someone with legal authority to act for you, such as an appointee, can complete and sign it on your behalf. Read more →

You can continue on a separate sheet of paper if the boxes aren't big enough. Say clearly which question it answers, and include your name so it can be matched to your form. The helper writes each answer at the length it needs. Read more →

You don't have to send medical evidence with the form, but it can help. Letters from a GP, specialist or care worker, or a list of medication, can support what you've written. DWP may also contact your health professionals directly, but sending your own evidence early can mean fewer delays. Read more →

Each part is scored separately. 8 points in a part is the standard rate, 12 or more is the enhanced rate. You can get one part, both or neither. Read more → Try the points checker →

Many form questions ask about a "typical day" or how you manage on "most days". This means more than half the days in a period. If something is true for over half your days, it counts as if it applies generally - so bad days count, not just your best ones. Read more →

No. PIP looks at how a condition affects what you can do, not its name. Two people with the same diagnosis can score very differently, and someone without a formal diagnosis can still score points if the effect on daily life or getting around is shown. Read more →

Most people who claim PIP are asked to an assessment, usually by phone, video or in person. A small number of claims are decided on the form and evidence alone, without one, but you should plan to be asked to attend unless DWP tells you otherwise. Read more →

Describe your bad days, not just your average or best ones. If something is true on more than half your days, it should be treated as if it applies generally. On the form and in the assessment, explain what a bad day actually looks like, and how often you have them. Read more →

It depends on your case and what your assessment provider offers - it could be any of the three. DWP or the provider tells you in advance which one you've been given, and it's worth asking early if you have a reason to need a different format. Read more →

Yes. You can bring a family member, friend or support worker to a face-to-face assessment, or have them with you on a phone or video call. They can offer support and their own observations if asked, though the assessor will usually want to hear your own answers directly. Read more →

You can ask DWP to look at the decision again - a mandatory reconsideration, and usually the first step before any appeal. You usually need to ask within one month of the date on your decision letter. Later requests may be accepted if you have a good reason. DWP then writes back with a new decision. Read more →

You usually need to ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on your decision letter. Later requests may be accepted if you have a good reason. Keep a note of that date, since the month is counted from there, not from when you read it. Read more →

It's when you ask DWP to look at your PIP decision again, before any appeal to a tribunal. You explain why you think the decision is wrong, ideally with extra evidence or examples DWP didn't have before. A different decision maker reviews the case and writes back with the outcome. Read more →

Yes. If the decision is still wrong after a mandatory reconsideration, you can appeal to an independent tribunal, online or by post. There's a time limit counted from the date of DWP's mandatory reconsideration notice - check the notice itself for exactly how long you have, since it's separate from the one-month reconsideration window. Read more →