Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Guide (Eligibility, Rates, Application 2026)

Who Is Eligible for PIP

You can claim PIP if you are aged 16 to State Pension age and have a long-term health condition or disability that affects your ability to carry out everyday tasks or get around. The condition must have been present for at least 3 months and be expected to last at least 9 more months (the qualifying period). You must live in England, Scotland, or Wales, and have been present in Great Britain for at least 2 of the last 3 years (some exceptions apply). PIP is assessed on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself. Two people with the same diagnosis can receive different PIP awards depending on how their symptoms impact their daily life. You can be employed or unemployed — PIP is not based on your work status. If you are terminally ill with less than 12 months to live, you can claim under special rules which fast-track your application and automatically award the enhanced rate of both components. PIP is also available to people who receive Carer's Allowance — caring for someone does not disqualify you from claiming PIP for your own needs.

PIP Payment Rates 2026

PIP has two components, each with two rates. Daily living component: standard rate — £77.05/week; enhanced rate — £115.15/week. Mobility component: standard rate — £30.85/week; enhanced rate — £80.75/week. The rate you receive depends on how many points you score in your PIP assessment across 12 activities (10 for daily living, 2 for mobility). Each activity has descriptors ranging from 0 to 12 points. You need 8–11 points for the standard rate of each component and 12+ points for the enhanced rate. For example, if you score 12 points on daily living activities, you receive the enhanced daily living rate of £115.15/week. If you score 10 points, you receive the standard rate of £77.05/week. PIP is paid every 4 weeks, directly into your bank account. Your award may be a short-term (1–2 years), long-term (3–5 years), or ongoing (10 years or indefinite) award depending on the expected duration of your condition. PIP rates are reviewed annually and typically increase each April in line with inflation. If your condition worsens, you can report a change of circumstances to request a reassessment for a higher rate.

How to Apply for PIP

To start a PIP claim, call the DWP's PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222. You can ask for a paper form if you prefer, but phone claims are quicker. After the initial call, you receive a PIP2 questionnaire (How Your Disability Affects You) to complete and return within 4 weeks. This form is the most important part of your application — it asks detailed questions about your ability to perform 12 everyday activities, including preparing food, eating, managing medication, washing, dressing, communicating, socialising, and moving around. Provide specific examples of how your condition affects you on a typical day and on bad days. Use the official PIP descriptors to shape your answers. Include supporting evidence from your GP, consultant, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist. Many claims are rejected due to insufficient evidence. You will then be invited to a face-to-face or video assessment (or phone assessment for some conditions) with a DWP-approved health professional (frequently delivered by Independent Assessment Services or Capita). The assessor writes a report that goes to the DWP decision maker. You receive a decision letter telling you if you have been awarded PIP, at what rates, and for how long. Use a benefits calculator to see how PIP interacts with other benefits you receive.

PIP Assessment: What to Expect

The PIP assessment evaluates how your condition affects your ability to carry out 12 daily living and mobility activities. For daily living, the activities are: preparing food, eating and drinking, managing therapy or monitoring a health condition, washing and bathing, managing toilet needs, dressing and undressing, communicating verbally, reading and understanding signs and numbers, engaging with other people, and making budgeting decisions. For mobility, the activities are: planning and following a journey and moving around. For each activity, there are descriptors that describe different levels of ability. For example, on the moving around activity: you score 0 points if you can walk 200 metres or more; 4 points if you can walk 50–200 metres; 8 points if you can walk 20–50 metres; and 12 points if you can walk less than 20 metres. The assessment usually takes 45–60 minutes. The assessor will ask about each activity and may ask you to demonstrate certain movements. Be honest about your limitations — do not minimise your difficulties. Explain how you feel on good days versus bad days. Consider bringing a family member or carer for support. If you have a mental health condition, the assessor should adapt their approach. The quality of the assessment report heavily influences the DWP's decision, so it is important to prepare thoroughly.

Appealing a PIP Decision

If your PIP claim is refused or you receive a lower rate than expected, you have the right to challenge the decision. The process has three stages. Stage 1: Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) — request the DWP to look at their decision again. You must request MR within 1 month of the decision letter date. Write or call the DWP explaining why you think the decision is wrong and provide any new evidence. The DWP aims to complete MR within 14–28 days. If the decision is unchanged, you get an MR notice. Stage 2: Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal — you have 1 month from the MR notice to appeal. The tribunal is independent of the DWP. You can submit your appeal online via the HMCTS portal. The tribunal panel consists of a judge, a doctor, and a disability expert. You can attend in person (or by video/phone) to explain your case. Success rates at tribunal are high — over 60% of PIP appeals are decided in favour of the claimant. Stage 3: Upper Tribunal appeal — if you believe the First-tier Tribunal made a legal error, you can appeal further. Most cases do not reach this stage. Use a benefits advisor (Citizens Advice, local council welfare rights service) for free help with appeals. See our Benefits Overpayment guide → if you also need to recover a PIP overpayment.

FAQs

Can I get PIP if I work?

Yes. PIP is not based on your employment status or income. You can work full-time and still receive PIP if your health condition or disability meets the eligibility criteria. Many people work and claim PIP to help with the extra costs of their condition.

Does PIP affect my other benefits?

PIP does not affect means-tested benefits like Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction. In fact, receiving PIP may entitle you to additional amounts on these benefits, such as the LCWRA element on UC or a disability premium on Housing Benefit.

How long does a PIP claim take?

The full process from initial phone call to decision typically takes 12–16 weeks. If your claim goes to Mandatory Reconsideration or appeal, it can take 6–12 months. Claims under special rules for terminal illness are usually processed within 2 weeks.

What if my condition changes after PIP is awarded?

You should report changes to the DWP immediately. If your condition worsens, you may be eligible for a higher rate. If your condition improves, you may be reassessed and your award could be reduced. Payments continue while the reassessment is in progress.

Can I claim PIP for a mental health condition?

Yes. PIP is based on how your condition affects your daily life, not the diagnosis itself. Mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia) can qualify. Assessment focuses on activities like communicating, socialising, and managing therapy.