PIP payments and points explained to help you make a successful claim first time (2024)

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in April there were 2.7 million people across the UK claiming support through Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and accessing a whole range of additional assistance including Council Tax Reductions, benefit top-ups and free or discounted public transport.

Of that total, 288,135 Scots are now receiving financial support between £23.70 and £152.15 every week, however, PIP is paid every four weeks, so that amounts to between £94.80 and £608.60 each month. The latest figures show an increase in successful PIP claims of 61,586 across the UK since the start of the year, including an additional 6,347 Scots.

PIP is designed to help people with the extra costs of daily living or getting around outside the home as a result of a long-term illness, mental health condition or physical or learning disability, but many people are put off claiming this essential benefit, wrongly assuming that they are not eligible or have heard negative stories about the application process.

We have simplified the terminology used by the DWP and explained what elements are involved in a claim including components, rates and how the application is scored, which in turn determines the level of award a person receives.

PIP components

PIP is made up of two components, a daily living component and a mobility component.

PIP payment rates for 2021

Each component has two payment rates - a standard rate and an enhanced rate.

Claimants who are assessed as having:

  • ‘Limited ability to carry out daily living activities’ (minimum score 8 points) are paid the standard rate of the daily living component of £60.00
  • ‘Severely limited ability to carry out daily living activities’ (minimum score 12 points) are paid the enhanced rate of the daily living component of 89.60
  • ‘Limited ability to carry out mobility activities’ (minimum score 8 points) are paid the standard rate of the mobility component of £23.70
  • ‘Severely limited ability to carry out mobility activities’ (minimum score 12 points) are paid the enhanced rate of the mobility component of £62.55

Additional payment

If you qualify for PIP, you will also receive a Christmas bonus which is £10 each year - this is paid automatically and it does not affect any other benefits which you may be receiving.

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Daily living activities

The decision about whether you are entitled to the daily living component, and if so at what rate, is based on the number of points you score in total for the following activities:

1. Preparing food

2. Taking nutrition

3. Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition

4. Washing and bathing

5. Managing toilet needs or incontinence

6. Dressing and undressing

7. Communicating verbally

8. Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words

9. Engaging with other people face-to-face

10. Making budgeting decisions

Each of these activities is divided into a number of point scoring descriptors. To get an award of the daily living component, you need to score:

  • 8 points for the standard rate
  • 12 points for the enhanced rate

You can only score one set of points from each activity, if two or more apply from the same activity only the highest will count.

Mobility activities

The decision about whether you are entitled to the mobility component, and if so at what rate, is based on the number of points you score in total for the following activities:

1. Planning and following journeys

2. Moving around outside the home

Both of these activities are divided into a number of point scoring descriptors. To get an award of the mobility component you need to score:

  • 8 points for the standard rate
  • 12 points for the enhanced rate

As with the daily living component, you only score the highest points that apply to you from each activity.

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All the questions on the PIP claim form

These are the questions on the PIP 2 claim form, also referred to as the 'How your disability affects you' evidence document.

Q1: List your health professionals

You need to give the DWP details of any health professional you've seen about your condition.

Q2: List your conditions, medications and treatments

List all the physical and mental health conditions and disabilities you have and the date they started.

Q3: Preparing and cooking a meal

This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to prepare a simple meal for one and heating it on a hob or in a microwave until it's safe to eat. This includes food preparation, using utensils and kitchen equipment and cooking the meal itself.

Q4: Eating and drinking

This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to eat and drink.

This means being able to cut up food into pieces, put it in your mouth, chew and swallow it.

You should say if you need prompting or reminding to eat, as well if you have physical difficulties.

Q5: Managing treatments

This question is about how your health condition makes it difficult for you to:

  • manage your treatments

  • monitor your own health condition, including your mental health

  • take action to stop your condition getting worse

Q6: Washing and bathing

This question is about whether your condition makes it difficult for you to wash or bathe in a standard bath or shower that hasn’t been adapted in any way.

It’s also about whether you use any aids or appliances to help you wash or bathe.

Q7: Managing toilet needs

This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

  • get on and off an unadapted toilet seat

  • clean yourself afterwards

  • if applicable, manage your incontinence

Q8: Dressing and undressing

This question is for you to describe any difficulties you have dressing or undressing. This means putting on and taking off unmodified, appropriate clothes - including shoes and socks.

'Appropriate clothes' means clothes that are appropriate for:

  • the weather

  • the occasion

  • the time of day

PIP payments and points explained to help you make a successful claim first time (9)

Q9: Communicating verbally

This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

  • speak to others so that you're understood

  • hear and understand what other people are saying to you

Q10: Reading

This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

  • read information that is a standard text size (not large print)

  • read signs - for example, emergency exit signs

  • read indoors and outside

Q11: Mixing with other people

This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

  • meet people and mix with them

  • judge situations when you're with other people and behave appropriately

  • establish relationships with people - for example make friends

Q12: Making decisions about money

This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to manage everyday purchases and transactions.

This means things like:

  • paying in shops and restaurants

  • budgeting for and paying your bills

  • budgeting for bigger things such as a TV

Q13: Going out

This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

  • plan and follow a route to a place you know (it doesn't matter how you get there)

  • plan and follow a bus or train route to a place you don't know

  • cope in places that you don't know

  • if applicable, leave the house because of stress or anxiety

Q14: Moving around outside the home

This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

  • stand safely without help

  • walk safely without stopping and without help

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Additional information

This is a blank page that you can use if you run out of space on the claim form.

You can also use it to give any additional information you think necessary. There's no right or wrong type of information to include but it's a good idea to use this space to tell the DWP if:

  • someone had to fill in the form for you and explain why

  • you filled in the form slowly or with pain

  • filling in the form caused you anxiety or stress

  • you're attaching medical evidence to support your claim - for example, a care plan

How to apply for PIP

To start the application process, you will need to contact the DWP on 0800 917 2222 (textphone 0800 917 7777).

You can ask for a paper form to complete if you are unable to claim by phone, although this may delay your claim.

For more information about PIP, visit gov.uk here.

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PIP payments and points explained to help you make a successful claim first time (2024)

FAQs

How to be successful in claiming PIP? ›

To be successful at claiming for PIP you need a score of 8 points to qualify for the standard rate of the daily living or mobility component and 12 points or more to qualify for the enhanced rates.

How many points do you need for a successful PIP claim? ›

If you get between 8 and 11 points in total, you'll get the daily living component of PIP at the standard rate. If you get at least 12 points in total, you'll get the daily living component at the enhanced rate.

How do I claim PIP for the first time? ›

How to claim
  1. Call the 'PIP new claims' phone line. You'll then be sent a form that asks about your condition.
  2. Complete and return the form. The address is on the form.
  3. You might need to have an assessment, if more information is needed.

What are the 12 points for PIP assessment? ›

PIP Points Scores Daily Living Activities
  • Preparing food. ...
  • Taking nutrition. ...
  • Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition. ...
  • Washing and bathing. ...
  • Managing toilet needs or incontinence. ...
  • Dressing and undressing. ...
  • Communicating verbally. ...
  • Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words.

What is the best evidence for PIP? ›

If you want to put supporting evidence in your claim, these are good papers to include:
  • Medical records.
  • Sick notes.
  • Prescriptions.
  • Diary of daily routine.
  • Letters from medical professionals.
  • Letters from other professionals.
  • Letters from other people who help you.

What are the best answers for PIP? ›

Try to give clear, short explanations and examples that are relevant to the activity. You do not have to get treatment or support to meet the criteria for PIP. If you don't get all the support you need, think about how your life could be improved if someone could encourage, help or prompt you with the activity.

How many PIP claims are successful first time? ›

The overall average success rate for PIP claims is 52%, but this varies widely depending on your main disabling condition.

How to get high rate PIP? ›

You get the standard rate if you score between eight and 11 points for your daily living needs in the PIP test. You get the enhanced rate if you score 12 points or more. You automatically qualify for the enhanced rate of the daily living component if you are terminally ill.

How many points is anxiety for PIP? ›

Eight points

You have an anxiety or panic attack.

What is the 3 month rule for PIP? ›

Required period condition

In order to be entitled to PIP , claimants have to satisfy a qualifying period of 3 months and a prospective test of 9 months. These 2 conditions are referred to as the 'required period condition' and help establish that the health condition or disability is likely to be long term.

How much will my first PIP payment be? ›

PIP amounts
Lower weekly rateHigher weekly rate
Daily living part£72.65£108.55
Mobility part£28.70£75.75

What conditions are most likely to be awarded PIP? ›

Musculoskeletal disease (general)
  • Arthritis.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Tendonitis.
Apr 15, 2024

What is the 50 rule for PIP? ›

Under PIP, if a condition or disability affects you more than half the time, it has to be treated as affecting you all the time. Equally, if a condition or disability does not affect you half the time, then it can be disregarded or ignored for PIP purposes. This is known as the 50% rule.

What is a good PIP score? ›

You get the enhanced rate of daily living component if you score 12 points or more. If you score between eight and 11 points for your mobility needs, you get the standard rate of the mobility component. If you score 12 points or more, you get the enhanced rate of mobility component.

How to make a successful PIP claim? ›

  1. Make the PIP form a top priority. ...
  2. Don't tackle it alone. ...
  3. Timescales are short but you can ask for extra time if you need it. ...
  4. Make photocopies of everything you send: as far as we are aware you aren't sent back any paperwork before a face-to-face interview and you'll want to refer to this.

How can I increase my chances of getting PIP? ›

It's useful to include evidence from health professionals on how your condition affects you. It can give the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) a clearer picture of how your condition affects you and give you a better chance of being properly assessed.

Is it hard to be accepted for PIP? ›

To qualify for PIP, you have to score enough points on the PIP test for daily living or mobility (or both). If you score between eight and 11 points for the daily living activities, you get the standard rate of the daily living component. If you score 12 or more points, or you are terminally ill.

What percentage of PIP claims are successful? ›

Award rates for all claims (excluding withdrawn cases) over the period February 2019 to January 2024 (last 5 years) show that: 41% receive an award for normal rules new claims. 69% receive an award for normal rules DLA reassessment claims. 99% of SREL claimants are awarded PIP.

How to beat PIP assessment? ›

Don't let the assessor rush you and try not to just answer 'yes' or 'no' to their questions. Always try to explain how doing something would make you feel afterwards and the impact it can have on you if you had to do it repeatedly in a short period of time.

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