Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that can provide financial support if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. PIP is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults aged 16-64.
What is PIP?
PIP helps with the extra costs arising from having a long-term health condition or disability. It is made up of two components:
- Daily living component – if you need help with everyday tasks
- Mobility component – if you need help getting around
Each component can be paid at either a standard or enhanced rate depending on how much help you need. You may qualify for one or both components based on your circumstances.
Can I claim PIP for mental health problems?
Yes, you can claim PIP if you have a mental health condition, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Schizophrenia
- Personality disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Dementia
Your mental health condition must affect your daily living and/or mobility needs to qualify for PIP. This means it should:
- Have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 months
- Be severe enough to limit your ability to carry out everyday tasks and getting around
PIP eligibility criteria
To be eligible for PIP, you must:
- Be aged 16-64 years old
- Have had difficulties with daily living or mobility for 3 months and expect these to continue for at least 9 months
- Have no immigration conditions that prevent you from claiming
- Normally live in England, Scotland or Wales
- Have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years if you’ve come from abroad
Your income, savings, and being in or out of work do not affect eligibility.
How PIP is assessed
PIP claims involve:
- Filling in a detailed claim form – describing how your condition affects you on a daily basis and the help you need.
- A health assessment – most claimants are asked to attend an assessment, where your abilities are evaluated face-to-face. This can be done at home if you have difficulty travelling.
- Scoring points – points are awarded depending on your ability to carry out key everyday tasks and your mobility needs. You need 8 points for the standard rate and 12 for the enhanced rate.
It is important to fully describe how your mental health affects your daily living and mobility in the claim form. Keep a diary for 1-2 weeks beforehand noting where you needed help from others.
How mental health conditions affect PIP eligibility
Mental health conditions can impact your daily living and mobility in many ways, including:
Daily living difficulties
- Personal care – due to low motivation, fatigue, anxiety leaving the house
- Eating – difficulty preparing food, reduced appetite from depression
- Managing therapies – remembering to take medication
- Washing – low motivation to shower or bathe regularly
- Dressing – unable to choose appropriate clothes, lacking concentration to dress
- Socialising – avoiding social contact due to anxiety/low mood
- Making budgeting decisions – due to reduced capacity
Mobility difficulties
- Agoraphobia – fear of leaving the home
- Using public transport – anxiety around crowds
- Walking outside – feeling unsafe alone
- Planning and following journeys – due to reduced capacity
These types of problems can mean you qualify for the daily living and/or mobility components of PIP.
PIP payment rates
If awarded PIP, the amount you receive depends on your rate for each component:
| PIP component | Standard rate | Enhanced rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily living | £61.85 per week | £92.40 per week |
| Mobility | £24.45 per week | £64.50 per week |
How to claim PIP
You start a new PIP claim by calling the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 917 2222.
The key steps are:
- Contact DWP to make a claim – they send a form for you to complete
- Return the PIP claim form including impact of your condition
- Usually attend a health assessment to discuss your needs
- DWP use the report to decide if you qualify for PIP
- You are sent a decision on your claim in writing
- Payment begins if awarded PIP
It can take up to 4 months from starting a claim to getting your first payment.
Getting help with your claim
Making a strong PIP claim is important as around 65% of claims are rejected initially. Many people turn to professional help such as a disability benefits adviser or Citizens Advice.
They can:
- Help you complete the PIP claim forms
- Write a detailed supporting statement from someone who knows you
- Advise on applying under the Special Rules for terminally ill people
- Represent you at a health assessment
- Guide you through mandatory reconsideration and appeals if unsuccessful
This support can really boost your chances of success.
PIP reviews and awards
PIP awards are not necessarily permanent. Your claim can be reviewed periodically to check whether your condition has changed.
Reviews can lead to:
- Award being renewed for a further set period, usually 2 or 3 years
- Award being changed – increased, decreased or withdrawn
It is important to resubmit detailed medical evidence at reviews to ensure your award continues.
Moving from DLA to PIP
If you currently claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA), this will be replaced with PIP at some stage. Reassessment dates are being phased in gradually area by area between 2013 and 2019.
When your DLA ends, you will be invited to claim PIP instead:
- Claim PIP within 4 weeks to avoid a gap in payments
- DLA award will continue until a decision is made on PIP
- PIP rates and rules do not match DLA exactly – awards can change
Many people are awarded a lower rate under PIP compared to DLA, or lose this support completely. Seeking advice in advance can help navigate this process.
PIP and working
You can receive PIP whether you are in or out of work. It does not get reduced or stopped if you take on employment.
PIP can provide vital financial support if you are able to work part-time but your mental health prevents full-time employment. The extra money can help you:
- Get to work – using taxis if unable to take public transport
- Access support – funding therapy or counselling privately
- Meet additional costs – higher heating bills from being at home more
- Bridge the gap – making up for reduced earnings due to part-time hours
Many people find they can manage better at work knowing they have PIP to cover the additional costs their health problems generate.
Conclusion
PIP provides essential financial support for working age adults who have long-term physical or mental health conditions. It is being gradually rolled out to replace Disability Living Allowance.
If your mental health affects your daily living activities and mobility, you should consider claiming PIP. The application process is complex, so seek professional advice to maximise your chances of success. PIP awards are not necessarily permanent and are subject to periodic review.