The benefit known as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can make a real difference to people’s lives in the UK. It is designed to help with the extra costs that come from living with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. When everyday tasks become harder, and you find yourself needing more support or mobility help, this benefit is there so that you are not alone. As a UK-based benefits professional I want to encourage you: claiming PIP is a positive step towards getting the support you deserve and I’m here to walk you through how to claim, what you need to think about, and how to improve your chances of success.
Understanding Personal Independence Payment and Why It Matters
Before diving into how to claim, let’s take a moment to understand what PIP is and why it matters for you. PIP is a non-means-tested, non-contributory benefit for people aged 16 and over (but under State Pension age for a new claim) who have a long-term health condition or disability and find that the condition affects their ability to carry out everyday living tasks or to get around. GOV.UK+2https://www.turn2us.org.uk/+2
Because PIP is not based on your income or savings, it offers a strong foundation of support even if you work or have savings. nidirect+2Disability Rights UK+2 The benefit is paid whether you are in work or not, so claiming does not necessarily affect employment. GOV.UK+1
When you are living with a condition that makes everyday tasks like washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, getting around, or engaging with other people more difficult, this can feel overwhelming and isolating. PIP can ease that burden and give you extra financial support so that you can focus on living your life with more dignity and independence.
Check Your Eligibility Before You Claim
The first step is to check carefully whether you meet the eligibility criteria for PIP. Here are the main points you need to know:
- You must be aged 16 or over and under State Pension age if you are making a new claim. GOV.UK+1
- You must have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability – something that is expected to last at least 12 months. GOV.UK+1
- You must be having difficulty with everyday living tasks or with getting around because of your condition, or both. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/+1
- For people living in Scotland, the equivalent benefit is the Adult Disability Payment, so if you live in Scotland you must claim that instead of PIP. GOV.UK+1
- It does not matter what your income or savings are, and you can be working and still claim it. nidirect
Once you have satisfied the eligibility questions, you are ready to move to the next stage: beginning the claim.
How to Start Your Claim for PIP
Getting started is very much doable if you take it step by step. Here’s how you initiate your claim:
- Call the PIP new claims line – The benefit is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in England and Wales. You’ll phone to give some basic information and request the claim form. Age UK+1
- Receive the “How your disability affects you” form – After the initial phone call you’ll be sent a form (sometimes known as the PIP2 form) asking how your condition affects your daily living and/or mobility.
- Fill in the form carefully – Don’t rush this. Provide detailed information about how your health or disability affects you most of the time (i.e., more than half the days, typically) in your everyday life. The DWP is looking at how you do tasks safely, how long it takes, and whether you need help from another person or equipment. GOV.UK+1
- Send in the form and any supporting evidence – This could be letters from your GP, hospital consultant reports, therapy notes, occupational therapy reports, or statements from people who help you. The more evidence you can supply, the stronger your application will be.
- Assessment and decision – Once the DWP has your form and evidence, they may arrange an assessment (often face-to-face or phone/virtual) to verify how your condition affects you. After that you will receive a decision letter stating whether you are awarded the daily living component, the mobility component, both, or none, and at what rate.
What the Two Components Cover
PIP is made up of two parts (or components) and you may qualify for one or both:
- Daily Living Component – This covers help you may need with everyday personal care and interaction tasks such as preparing food, eating and drinking, washing, bathing, using the toilet, dressing and undressing, reading or understanding signs, managing medicines or treatments, making decisions about money, or socialising. Carers UK+1
- Mobility Component – This covers help you may need getting around physically or planning and following journeys. You might be given help even if you don’t have a purely physical disability; for example, cognitive or mental health conditions can affect mobility. nidirect
Each component has two possible rates: Standard and Enhanced, depending on how severely your condition affects you. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/+1
Tips to Strengthen Your Claim
As your friendly benefits advisor I want you to feel confident. Here are some practical tips to strengthen your PIP claim:
- Be honest and specific: Don’t just say “I struggle”. Instead say things like “I need help getting dressed more than half the time because I lose balance when reaching my arms out” or “on bad days I cannot plan and follow a simple journey without anxiety and help”.
- Include bad days as well as good days: If you have a fluctuating condition (which is common), then describe how things are on the days when your condition is worse. The DWP must consider how you are affected on most days.
- Use examples: Mention real-life examples of tasks you find hard, how long it takes you, whether you need someone else’s help, or whether you use aids.
- Provide evidence: A letter from your GP or consultant stating diagnosis and how it impacts you, occupational therapy / physiotherapy reports, care records, diaries of bad days — all help paint a clear picture.
- Keep a record: It’s helpful to keep a diary for several weeks of how your condition affects your daily living and mobility. It can be used to support your claim.
- Don’t assume you won’t get it: Many people feel hesitant. But if you meet the criteria, you should apply. Delaying means you may miss out on support.
- Seek support if needed: You can get free advice from organisations such as Citizens Advice or specialist disability advice charities. They can help you fill in forms and prepare evidence. GOV.UK+1
What Happens After Your Claim Is Submitted
Once you’ve submitted your form and evidence, here’s what to expect:
- The DWP will review your application and may arrange an assessment.
- You’ll receive a decision letter which states the result: whether you’ve been awarded PIP and if so which component(s) and at what rate.
- Your award might be for a fixed period (for example 1 year, 2 years) or “ongoing” if your condition is not expected to improve. Wikipedia+1
- If your condition improves (or worsens) you must notify the DWP. Also your award may be reviewed at any time.
- If you disagree with the decision, you can ask for a reconsideration and potentially an appeal. It is best to act quickly. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/+1
How Much Could You Get?
While amounts can change each financial year, here are indicative weekly rates for England, Wales and Northern Ireland for the benefit year 2025/26: nidirect
- Daily Living Component: Standard rate approx £73.90 per week; Enhanced rate approx £110.40 per week.
- Mobility Component: Standard rate approx £29.20 per week; Enhanced rate approx £77.05 per week.
Remember these figures are a guide. The exact amount you receive depends on your individual award decision and which component(s) and rate(s) you qualify for.
What If You’re Already Receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or You Reach State Pension Age?
If you are already receiving DLA, then you may be invited to transfer to PIP – but you do not need to apply until you are contacted. GOV.UK+1
If you are over State Pension age and seeking support for care needs, the equivalent benefit is Attendance Allowance rather than PIP. Age UK
Addressing Common Questions and Concerns
Here are some frequent concerns that claimants have answered honestly and openly:
- Will it affect my other benefits or my job?
No, PIP is separate from your income and savings, and you can work or study and still claim it. nidirect+1 - What if I have a mental health condition or hidden disability?
Yes, you can still claim. The mobility component is not only for physical disabilities cognitive conditions or mental health issues that affect mobility and getting around count. nidirect - What if my condition is changing or fluctuating?
That is fine. The assessors will consider how you are affected on your worst days, and whether you are more than half the time affected over a 12-month period. GOV.UK - What if my claim is turned down?
Do not lose hope. Many claims are reconsidered or appealed. You have the right to ask for a mandatory reconsideration, and you can get help to appeal. Look for a specialist adviser for support.
In Summary – You Can Do This
To wrap up: claiming PIP is a practical, positive step you can take to secure additional support when living with a long-term condition or disability. By understanding the benefit, checking your eligibility, completing the claim carefully, gathering solid evidence, and submitting with confidence, you put yourself in the best possible position.
You are not alone in this. As someone who cares about your rights and wants you to succeed, I encourage you to take action. If you believe you meet the criteria, pick up the phone today to start your claim for Personal Independence Payment. And remember: help is available to advise and support you.