Personal Independence Payment (PIP) — the basics
Quick answer: PIP is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit for working-age people with a long-term health condition or disability that affects daily living or mobility.
PIP is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit for working-age people with a long-term health condition or disability that affects daily living or mobility. It has a daily living component and a mobility component, each paid at a standard or enhanced rate.
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Primary source: https://www.gov.uk/pip
How PIP is scored
PIP uses a points system across 10 daily living activities and 2 mobility activities. Each activity has descriptors with scores from 0 to 12.
Daily living: 8 points = standard rate, 12 points = enhanced. Mobility: 8 points = standard, 12 points = enhanced. Scores are totalled across all relevant activities — you do not need to score on every one.
Crucially, an activity counts only if you cannot do it 'safely, repeatedly, to an acceptable standard and within a reasonable time' on the majority of days.
Daily living activities
The ten activities are: preparing food; taking medication and managing therapy; washing and bathing; managing toilet needs or incontinence; dressing and undressing; communicating verbally; reading and understanding signs; engaging with others; making budgeting decisions; and (added 2017) managing nutrition.
The DWP asks how your condition affects each, on a typical day, accounting for fatigue, pain and mental fluctuations.
Claiming and appealing
Start by calling 0800 917 2222 to register a claim — the date of that call becomes your claim date. You then receive the 'How your disability affects you' form (PIP2), which is the most important document in your claim.
Most claimants are then invited to an assessment with a health professional (telephone, video or face-to-face). The DWP decision-maker uses the assessment report plus your evidence to award points.
If you disagree, request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month. If that fails, you can appeal to a First-Tier Tribunal — around 70% of appeals succeed, so the process is worth pursuing if you have evidence.
Common questions
- Does PIP affect other benefits?
- Generally PIP increases other benefits. Receiving PIP can unlock disability premiums in Universal Credit, exempt you from the benefit cap, and entitle a carer to Carer's Allowance. It is not counted as income for means-tested benefits.
- Can I get PIP if I work?
- Yes. PIP is not income-tested and is not affected by working. Many people receive PIP while in full-time work.
- What's happening to PIP from 2026?
- The government has proposed reforms to PIP eligibility, including stricter scoring on the daily living component. As of mid-2026 those reforms remain under consultation — current rules and rates above continue to apply until any legislation passes.