Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. It is designed to help with the extra costs that arise from living with a disability or health condition.
Crucially, PIP is not means-tested — it does not matter how much money you have or whether you are working. It is based entirely on how your condition affects your daily life and mobility.
Key Point: It's About Function, Not Diagnosis
The DWP does not award PIP based on your diagnosis. Two people with the same condition can receive very different awards depending on how that condition affects their daily functioning. This is why describing your worst days accurately is critical.
The DWP must assess whether you can perform each activity safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time period. If you cannot meet all four criteria, you cannot be said to be able to perform the activity.
This is the most important principle in PIP assessments. The DWP assessor must consider whether you can perform each activity:
Safely
Without causing harm to yourself or others
To an acceptable standard
As well as a non-disabled person would
Repeatedly
As often as is reasonably required
In a timely manner
In a reasonable time period (no more than twice as long as a non-disabled person)
Standard Rate: £73.90/week · Enhanced Rate: £110.40/week (2025/26)
You need 8 points for the Standard Rate and 12 points for the Enhanced Rate. Points come from the 10 daily living activities below.
Preparing food
Can you prepare and cook a simple meal? Consider whether you can do this safely, reliably, repeatedly and in a timely manner.
Taking nutrition
Can you eat and drink without assistance? Includes using aids, therapeutic sources, or needing prompting.
Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition
Can you manage your medication and health monitoring independently?
Washing and bathing
Can you wash and bathe yourself without assistance? Includes showering and personal hygiene.
Managing toilet needs
Can you manage your toilet needs, including continence, without assistance?
Dressing and undressing
Can you dress and undress yourself, including putting on and removing prosthetics or orthotics?
Communicating verbally
Can you communicate verbally, including understanding others and making yourself understood?
Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words
Can you read and understand basic written information?
Engaging with other people face to face
Can you engage with other people face to face, including in social situations?
Making budgeting decisions
Can you make simple budgeting decisions, like paying for a small purchase?
Standard Rate: £29.20/week · Enhanced Rate: £77.05/week (2025/26)
You need 8 points for the Standard Rate and 12 points for the Enhanced Rate. Points come from the 2 mobility activities below.
Planning and following journeys
Can you plan and follow a route to an unfamiliar destination? Includes managing anxiety, cognitive difficulties, and sensory issues.
Moving around
Can you stand and then move between 20 metres and 200 metres? The distance you can walk reliably, safely and repeatedly determines your award.
If you disagree with a PIP decision, you have the right to challenge it. There are three stages, each with strict time limits.
Mandatory Reconsideration (MR)
Within 1 month of the decision letterYou must request an MR before you can appeal to a tribunal. Write to the DWP explaining why you disagree with their decision and providing any additional evidence. Our AI letter generator can draft this for you.
Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal
Within 1 month of the MR decisionIf the MR is unsuccessful, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. Around 68% of PIP tribunal appeals are successful. You do not need a lawyer — our tribunal support letter can help you present your case.
Upper Tribunal
Only on a point of lawIf you believe the First-tier Tribunal made a legal error, you can appeal to the Upper Tribunal. This is complex and we recommend seeking specialist legal advice at this stage.
Our AI generator will ask you the right questions and draft a personalised PIP letter in minutes.
Rates increase each April in line with CPI inflation.
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