Will I have to attend an assessment?

Most claimants have a Health Assessment, usually by phone or video, with an independent assessor. Some are decided on paper evidence alone. You can ask for a face-to-face assessment if you'd prefer.

Does PIP affect other benefits?

No — PIP isn't counted as income for means-tested benefits. It can actually unlock additional 'premiums' on Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and pension credit, and exempt you from the Benefit Cap.

How long does a PIP award last?

Awards typically run for 1–10 years. Some claimants get 'ongoing' or 'light-touch' awards. You can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration and then an appeal if you disagree with the decision.

Eligibility · Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Am I eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?

In short. PIP is for working-age adults (16 to State Pension age) with a long-term physical or mental health condition. There are two components — daily living (£72.65 or £108.55/wk standard/enhanced, 2025/26) and mobility (£28.70 or £75.75/wk). You don't have to be unable to work.

PIP replaced Disability Living Allowance for working-age adults. Awards are based on how a condition affects you, not on a diagnosis. In Scotland, PIP is replaced by Adult Disability Payment (ADP), administered by Social Security Scotland.

Last reviewed: 26 May 2026

·Amount: Daily living: £72.65 (standard) or £108.55 (enhanced) per week. Mobility: £28.70 (standard) or £75.75 (enhanced) per week (2025/26)

You likely qualify if…

You're 16 to State Pension age
You've had health-related difficulties for 3 months and expect them to continue for 9+ months
Your condition affects daily-living activities or mobility (or both)
You live in the UK (England, Wales, NI) and meet the presence/residence tests

You likely don't if…

You're under 16 (claim DLA for children) or at State Pension age (claim Attendance Allowance)
You haven't had the difficulties for 3 months yet (unless terminal)
You live in Scotland — claim Adult Disability Payment via Social Security Scotland instead

How to check and claim

01Current eligibility rules are at gov.uk/pip; new claims are started by phone on 0800 917 2222
02The PIP assessment uses formal 'descriptors' published on gov.uk that score how the condition affects everyday activities
03Free help with PIP claims and appeals is available from Citizens Advice and many local welfare-rights services

FAQ

Will I have to attend an assessment?: Most claimants have a Health Assessment, usually by phone or video, with an independent assessor. Some are decided on paper evidence alone. You can ask for a face-to-face assessment if you'd prefer.
Does PIP affect other benefits?: No — PIP isn't counted as income for means-tested benefits. It can actually unlock additional 'premiums' on Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and pension credit, and exempt you from the Benefit Cap.
How long does a PIP award last?: Awards typically run for 1–10 years. Some claimants get 'ongoing' or 'light-touch' awards. You can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration and then an appeal if you disagree with the decision.

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