PIP Eligibility – Quick Guide to Getting the Support You Need

If you’ve heard about Personal Independence Payment (PIP) but aren’t sure whether you qualify, you’re not alone. The rules can feel vague, but the core idea is simple: PIP helps people with long‑term health conditions or disabilities cover extra costs of daily life. Below we break down the two main tests, what evidence you’ll need, and the steps to submit a claim.

What the Test Looks Like

PIP is split into a daily living component and a mobility component. Each component has two rates – standard and enhanced – and you’re scored on a points system. The daily living test asks how well you can manage things like preparing food, washing, dressing, and communicating. The mobility test focuses on moving around, either physically or using aids.

During the assessment, a health professional will ask you to describe what you can do **without help** and **with help**. They’ll also watch you perform a few simple tasks, such as putting on a coat or walking a short distance. If you score 8 or more points in a component, you get the standard rate; 12 or more points earns the enhanced rate.

Common conditions that meet the points threshold include severe arthritis, chronic pain, COPD, mental health problems, and learning disabilities. It’s not the label of the condition that matters, but how it affects your day‑to‑day life.

How to Apply and What to Expect

Start by calling the PIP helpline (0300 123 5290) to request a claim form. You have 28 days to return the form, and you can fill it out online, by post, or with a friend’s help. Be honest and specific – mention the frequency, duration, and any equipment you use. Attach medical reports, a letter from your GP, and any therapy notes. The more concrete evidence you give, the smoother the assessment.

After your form is processed, you’ll receive an invitation for a face‑to‑face assessment. Most appointments are with a qualified health professional at a local centre. Arrive early, bring all your documents, and be ready to demonstrate the tasks they ask about. If you can’t travel, you can request a home visit.

Decision letters usually arrive within three weeks of the assessment. If you’re awarded PIP, the letter will list the component(s) you receive, the rate, and the start date. If you’re denied, you have the right to ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month, and you can appeal to an independent tribunal if needed.

Tips to boost your chances:

• Keep a diary for at least two weeks before your assessment, noting how many times you need help with each activity.
• Ask your GP or specialist to write a detailed letter linking your condition to the daily living and mobility challenges.
• Bring any equipment (wheelchair, walking stick, hearing aid) to the assessment so the assessor can see how you use it.
• If you have a mental health condition, bring evidence of therapy sessions and medication side‑effects.

Remember, PIP is designed for long‑term needs – at least three months and likely lasting a year or more. If your situation changes, you can request a reassessment to adjust your rate.

Bottom line: the eligibility process hinges on **what you can’t do** without help, not just what diagnosis you have. Gather solid evidence, be clear about the impact on everyday tasks, and don’t hesitate to ask for help completing the claim. With the right preparation, you’ll have a strong shot at getting the benefit you deserve.