Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability. Two things surprise people most: it's not means-tested (your income and savings don't matter) and you can get it while working. It's about how your condition affects your daily life — not your job, your money, or a specific diagnosis. Huge numbers of people who'd qualify never apply because they assume it's "not for them".
Quick facts
- Who
- Age 16 to State Pension age, with a long-term condition (3+ months)
- Means-tested?
- No — savings & income don't matter
- Taxable?
- No — it's tax-free
- Working?
- Yes — you can claim PIP while in work
- Two parts
- Daily living + mobility, each at a standard or enhanced rate
Do you qualify?
You can claim PIP if you:
- Are 16 or over and under State Pension age (over that age, it's Attendance Allowance instead).
- Have a physical or mental health condition, disability or illness.
- Have had difficulties for 3 months and expect them to continue for at least 9 more (waived if you're terminally ill).
It covers an enormous range of conditions — mobility problems, chronic pain, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, sensory impairments and more. What matters is the effect on your life, not the label.
The two parts
PIP has two components, and you can get one or both:
- Daily living — for help with everyday tasks: preparing food, eating, washing, dressing, managing medication, reading, communicating, handling money, and engaging with people.
- Mobility — for help with getting around and planning/following a journey.
Each part is paid at either a standard or a higher enhanced rate, depending on how much help you need. The enhanced mobility rate can also unlock a Motability vehicle.
How the assessment works
PIP is scored on points. For each activity (like preparing food or washing), you get points based on how much difficulty you have and what help you need. Add them up across the activities and the totals decide whether you get each part, and at which rate. The key is describing your worst days honestly and in detail — not your best ones.
How to apply — step by step
Start the claim
Call the PIP claim line (or start online where available) via GOV.UK. The date you contact them is when your claim begins.
Fill in "How your disability affects you"
This is the form that wins or loses claims. For each activity, explain your difficulties, how long things take, what's unsafe, and the help you need — on a bad day.
Send supporting evidence
Include anything useful: letters from your GP or consultant, a care plan, a medication list, a diary of how your condition affects you.
Attend the assessment
You may have an assessment (by phone, video or in person). Be honest and specific — describe your typical and worst days, not a one-off good moment.
Refused? Challenge it
Many PIP refusals are overturned. Ask for a "mandatory reconsideration", and get free help from Citizens Advice or a welfare-rights service — it really improves your odds.
Common questions
Is PIP means-tested?
Can I get PIP if I work?
What conditions qualify for PIP?
What if I'm turned down?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not benefits or medical advice. Rates and rules change, and Scotland uses Adult Disability Payment — always confirm the current details on GOV.UK or with a welfare-rights adviser before you claim.
Keep going
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