Personal Independence Payment is a UK government benefit for people aged 16 to 64 with a long-term health condition or disability

Personal Independence Payment, or PIP, is a monthly payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that recognises the extra costs of living with a disability or health condition. You do not need to have worked to receive it, and it is separate from other benefits you may already get. The amount you receive depends on how your condition affects your daily life and mobility, not on your income or savings.

To start the process, you contact the DWP directly—not your local council, not your GP, and not a charity. The DWP will send you a form to complete, then invite you to an assessment. The whole process typically takes several months from first contact to a decision.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact the DWP by phone, post, or online to request PIP; the DWP will then send you the application form.
  • The application form asks detailed questions about how your condition affects your ability to carry out daily tasks and move around.
  • Most people are invited to an assessment with a healthcare professional, which is separate from your GP appointment and lasts around 45 minutes.
  • The DWP makes the final decision based on the form, the assessment, and any medical evidence you provide; this can take 8 to 12 weeks after your assessment.
  • You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration if you disagree with the decision, and you can appeal to an independent tribunal if the reconsideration does not change the outcome.

How to contact the DWP and start your claim

Call the PIP claim line on 0800 917 2222 (textphone 0800 917 7777) to request a claim pack. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also write to the DWP at the address they provide on their website, or start a claim online through your personal tax account if you have one set up.

When you call, have your National Insurance number ready. The DWP will ask basic questions about your condition and send you a claim form within a few days. You do not need a diagnosis letter or medical evidence at this stage—just tell them you want to claim.

If you are already receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and you turn 16, the DWP will contact you automatically to invite you to switch to PIP. You do not need to request a form in this case.

Completing the PIP claim form

The form is long—typically 20 to 30 pages—and asks about how your condition affects you on a daily basis. It covers areas like preparing food, washing, dressing, managing medication, going out, and moving around. You must describe what you can and cannot do, not what you might be able to do on a good day.

Be specific and honest. Instead of writing "I have difficulty walking," write "I can walk about 50 metres before I need to sit down for 10 minutes" or "I need someone with me when I go out because I get confused." The DWP uses this detail to assess how much support you need.

You have about four weeks to return the form. If you need longer, contact the DWP and ask for an extension. You can include supporting letters from your GP, consultant, or other healthcare professionals, but this is not required—many people are assessed without them.

What happens at the assessment appointment

After you return the form, the DWP will invite you to an assessment with a healthcare professional. This is usually a nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist employed by a private company contracted to the DWP—not your own GP. The appointment lasts around 45 minutes and takes place at a local assessment centre, though you can request a home visit if you cannot travel.

The assessor will ask you to describe your condition and may ask you to carry out simple tasks—for example, standing up from a chair, picking something up from the floor, or walking a short distance. They are checking what you can actually do, not what you say you can do. Be honest about your limitations and tell them if something causes you pain or distress.

You can bring someone with you to the assessment—a friend, family member, or advocate. They can sit in the room and help you explain your situation, but the assessor will still ask you the questions directly.

How the DWP makes its decision

The assessor writes a report and sends it to the DWP. The DWP then reviews your form, the assessment report, and any medical evidence you provided. They score you based on how your condition affects specific activities—for example, preparing a meal, managing medication, or going out. Each activity has a points threshold, and your total score determines whether you get PIP and how much.

The DWP will send you a decision letter within 8 to 12 weeks of your assessment. The letter explains which activities they assessed you on, how many points you scored, and whether you have been awarded PIP. If you have been awarded it, the letter also tells you the amount and when payments will start.

PIP is paid every four weeks into your bank account. The amount varies depending on your score, but as of 2024 there are two rates: a standard rate and an enhanced rate. The DWP will tell you which rate you receive in your decision letter.

What to do if you disagree with the decision

If the DWP refuses your claim or awards you less than you expected, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration. This means the DWP looks at your case again, usually without another assessment. You must request this within one month of the decision letter, though you can ask for an extension if you have a good reason.

To request a mandatory reconsideration, write to the address on your decision letter and explain why you think the decision is wrong. Include any new evidence—for example, a letter from your GP or a hospital appointment letter that shows your condition has worsened. The DWP will send you a new decision within 8 weeks.

If the mandatory reconsideration does not change the outcome, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. This is a formal hearing where you can present your case to a judge who is not part of the DWP. You do not need a lawyer, but many people find it helpful to have an advocate or representative. Charities like Citizens Advice and Scope offer free support with appeals.

How long the whole process takes

From the moment you call the DWP to the moment you receive a decision letter, the process usually takes 3 to 6 months. This breaks down roughly as: 2 to 4 weeks to receive and return the form, 4 to 8 weeks to be invited to an assessment, 2 to 4 weeks for the assessment to happen, and 8 to 12 weeks for the DWP to make a decision.

If you ask for a mandatory reconsideration, add another 8 weeks. If you appeal to a tribunal, add another 3 to 6 months depending on how busy the tribunal is in your area.

If you are in financial hardship while you wait, you can ask the DWP for an advance payment. This is a loan against your future PIP payments. You must repay it from your PIP once you start receiving it, but it can help if you are struggling immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a diagnosis or letter from my GP to claim?

No. You can claim without any medical evidence. However, if you have recent letters from your GP, consultant, or hospital, including them with your form can help the DWP understand your condition. If you do not have evidence, the assessment itself is designed to gather the information the DWP needs.

What if my condition changes between the form and the assessment?

Tell the assessor at the appointment. If your condition has got worse, explain what has changed and how it affects you now. If it has improved, be honest about that too. The assessment is based on your current situation, not the situation when you filled in the form.

Can I work while I claim PIP?

Yes. PIP is not affected by how much you earn or whether you work. You can work part-time, full-time, or be self-employed and still receive PIP. The only thing that matters is how your condition affects your daily life and mobility.

What if I cannot attend the assessment appointment?

Contact the DWP as soon as possible and ask to reschedule. You can request a home visit instead if you cannot travel. If you do not attend and do not contact the DWP, they may make a decision based on the form alone, which could result in a lower award or a refusal.

How often do I have to renew my PIP claim?

PIP is usually awarded for a fixed period—commonly 2, 5, or 10 years depending on how stable your condition is. The DWP will write to you before your award ends and ask you to renew. You will need to complete another form and may have another assessment, but the process is the same as the first claim.