Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

If you're under State Pension age and have a long-term illness or disability, you might be entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help pay for things.

What is Personal Independence Payment?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people who are under State Pension age and need help with daily activities or getting around because of a long-term illness or disability.

It isn't based on your National Insurance contributions and it isn't means-tested, so your savings don't matter. You can spend PIP on whatever you need.

If you have care needs and you've reached State Pension age, and are claiming for the first time, you should claim Attendance Allowance instead.

Find out more about Attendance Allowance

How much Personal Independence Payment could I get?

How much PIP you could get depends on how difficult it is for you to do certain things – such as preparing food and drink, dressing and undressing, or getting around.

PIP has two parts: a daily living component and a mobility component. You might be able to claim one or both components.

PIP is gradually replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA). However, if you were born before 8 April 1948 and you're already currently claiming DLA, you can continue to do so.

Am I eligible to claim Personal Independence Payment?

You might be eligible for PIP if you:

• are under State Pension age
• have a long-term mental or physical health condition or disability
• need help with daily living activities or getting around (these are outlined below)
• aren't already claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

PIP can be paid if you've met the eligibility criteria for 3 months, and your condition is expected to last for at least another 9 months.

You might be eligible for one or both parts of PIP based on what you need help with.

You could be awarded the daily living component of DLA if you need help with:

• preparing food
• eating and drinking
• managing medicines and treatments for your condition
• washing and bathing
• using the toilet
• dressing and undressing
• talking, listening and understanding
• reading and understanding signs
• socialising with other people
• managing your money.

Mobility part

• working out a route and following it safely
• physically moving around
• leaving your home.

Even though the mobility part is awarded because you need help getting around, you can spend it how you'd like.

How do I claim Personal Independence Payment?

To make a claim, you need to fill out the PIP claim form. There are a couple of ways to get a form.

By phone

Call the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 917 2222 (textphone 0800 917 7777). They'll ask you for some basic information and then send you a claim form.

By post

Write to ‘Personal Independence Payment New Claims’. You'll be sent a form to provide some information before they send you the claim form. It can take longer to get a decision if you start your claim by post.

Find out more about applying by post on GOV.UK

What happens once I've submitted my claim?

Once you've submitted your form, your claim will be assessed by a healthcare professional. You might have a face-to-face assessment as part of this.

You’ll get a score based on how much help the assessment shows you need. This determines how much PIP you might receive.

You'll then be informed of the outcome of your claim. If your claim is turned down, you can challenge it. If you need advice or help filling out claim forms, contact your local Age UK.

What evidence will I need to claim PIP?

It might be helpful to provide evidence when making a new/renewal PIP claim or when appealing against a decision. Supporting evidence could include: 

• Statement from a carer, friend or family member
• Daily routine diary and personal statement
• Medical evidence (a patient summary from your GP surgery, prescriptions, letters from medical professionals).

Can I claim PIP with a terminal illness?

Yes, you can receive Personal Independence Payments if you have a terminal illness. 

If you are diagnosed with a terminal illness, where it is not unexpected that you will die within the next year, you should automatically get the enhanced daily living rate of PIP and the Department for Work and Pensions should fast-track your application. 

This means you won’t have to fill out an application or do a face-to-face assessment. You will need to give an SR1 form about your illness from your doctor to the Department for Work and Pensions.

More Personal Independence Payment questions