PricingWin Your PIP

How to claim PIP: a step-by-step guide

Applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) involves starting a claim, explaining how your health affects daily life and sometimes having an assessment. Here is a practical overview.

Check where to apply

  • People living in Scotland generally apply for Adult Disability Payment instead of making a new PIP claim.
  • Check the official eligibility rules before starting. Being diagnosed with a condition does not automatically decide whether PIP is awarded.

Start the claim

  • In England and Wales, you can start a PIP claim using the official new-claims telephone line. Online claim options depend on availability and eligibility.
  • Have basic personal information, National Insurance details if available, payment details and information about your health professionals ready.

Complete the disability questionnaire

  • The questionnaire asks how your condition affects everyday activities and mobility, not only what diagnosis you have.
  • Describe real examples, help from other people, safety concerns, how often difficulties occur and whether you can repeat activities reliably.

What happens after submitting

  • DWP may ask for further evidence or arrange an assessment. You will receive a decision letter explaining the outcome.
  • Use the links to our PIP activity guides to prepare truthful, specific descriptions. If you want help organising your answers, our separate paid service is optional.

Before you start: a practical checklist

  • Check which benefit and application route applies where you live.
  • Write down the dates and instructions you receive from DWP rather than relying on a general web estimate.
  • Collect existing details of healthcare professionals and factual accounts from people who support you.
  • Create a list of the 12 activities and highlight only those that are genuinely difficult.

How to describe an everyday task

  • Avoid only writing 'I have ADHD' or 'I have fibromyalgia'. Instead explain how your conditions affect making a simple meal, washing, dressing, travelling or another relevant activity.
  • Use a recent real example: what did you try, what stopped you, who helped, how often does that occur and could you repeat the activity?
  • Do not focus only on your absolute worst day. Describe your typical pattern, fluctuations and the number of days affected.

What evidence to gather, and what not to delay for

  • Examples include support or care plans, occupational therapy letters, relevant clinical correspondence, prescription details and accounts from carers.
  • Where evidence is unavailable, complete the form accurately rather than inventing diagnoses, treatment or documents.
  • If you need more time to return a form, contact DWP using the information supplied with your claim.

After sending your claim

  • Keep a copy of the answers and documents, together with dates sent and any confirmation.
  • Prepare for a possible assessment by reviewing your own examples. No assessment format guarantees an award.
  • When you get a decision letter, check whether you understand it and how to challenge it if you disagree.

Check the official guidance

PIP information and official contact details can change. These are relevant GOV.UK resources.

You may also find these guides useful

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