The process process for PIP starts with a claim form you request from the Department for Work and Pensions

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people aged 16 to 64 who have a long-term physical or mental health condition that affects their daily life. To explore, you contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), request a claim pack, complete the form, and return it. The DWP then decides whether to invite you for an assessment with a healthcare professional. This entire process typically takes several months from start to finish.

You can start a PIP claim by phone, online, or by post. The phone number is 0800 917 2222 (textphone 0800 917 7777). You can also begin a claim through the GOV.UK website if you have a Government Gateway account. Once you contact the DWP, they will send you a claim form, which is lengthy and detailed—most people spend several hours completing it. The form asks about how your condition affects you in two areas: daily living and mobility.

The claim form is your chance to explain in detail how your health condition impacts what you can do. Many people underestimate how much detail the DWP needs. Rather than writing "I have difficulty walking," you should describe exactly what happens: "I can walk about 20 metres before my legs become too painful to continue" or "I need someone with me when I go out because I become confused in unfamiliar places." The more specific you are, the better the assessor can understand your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You request a claim pack by calling 0800 917 2222, explore online through GOV.UK, or writing to the DWP; there is no process form to read in advance.
  • The claim form asks how your condition affects daily living (eating, washing, dressing, managing medication) and mobility (walking, planning journeys), and you should describe specific examples rather than general statements.
  • After you return the form, the DWP usually invites you to an assessment appointment with a healthcare professional, though some claims are decided on the form alone.
  • The entire process from initial contact to a decision typically takes three to six months, though it can be longer if the DWP asks for more information from your doctor.
  • You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration if the DWP refuses your claim, and you have one month from the decision letter to request this review.

What information you need to gather before you start

Before you contact the DWP, gather documents that support your claim. You do not need these to start the claim, but having them ready speeds up the process. Collect medical records from your GP, hospital letters, prescriptions, and any reports from specialists who treat you. If you see a therapist, counsellor, or mental health worker, ask them for a summary of your condition and how it affects you.

You will also need the names and contact details of healthcare professionals who know you well—usually your GP and any hospital consultants. The DWP may contact them to ask about your condition. If you have had recent hospital admissions, operations, or diagnoses, gather those letters. If your condition is variable (some days worse than others), keep a brief diary for a week or two showing how your symptoms change, as this helps explain why you cannot do things reliably.

How the claim form works and what to expect

The PIP claim form is called the "How your disability affects you" form. It runs to about 20 pages and covers two main areas. The first section asks about daily living: can you prepare food, eat and drink, wash and bathe, use the toilet, dress and undress, manage your medication, and communicate with others. The second section asks about mobility: can you plan and follow journeys, move around, and stand and sit.

For each activity, the form asks what you can do and what you cannot do. It is not enough to tick a box; you must explain. For example, if the form asks whether you can prepare a straightforward meal, do not write "No." Instead, write something like: "I cannot stand for more than five minutes without severe pain in my legs. Preparing a meal takes 15 to 20 minutes, so I cannot do it alone. I need someone to help me, or I need to sit down and rest several times." This level of detail helps the assessor understand your actual situation.

You can write on the form itself or attach extra pages if you need more space. Many people find it helpful to write out their answers first, then transfer them to the form. Some people ask their GP, a support worker, or a trusted friend to help them fill it in—this is allowed and quite common. The DWP does not penalise you for getting help; they want the information to be accurate and complete.

The assessment appointment and what happens after

After you return the form, the DWP reviews it. In some cases, they make a decision based on the form alone, particularly if your condition is very severe or very straightforward. In most cases, however, they invite you to an assessment appointment. This appointment is with a healthcare professional (usually a nurse or physiotherapist) employed by a private company contracted to the DWP, not with your own doctor.

The assessment typically lasts 20 to 60 minutes. The assessor will ask you questions about your form and may ask you to do straightforward tasks—for example, to stand up, walk a short distance, or show how you would pick something up from the floor. The assessor is not trying to trick you; they are trying to see what you can actually do. If you cannot do something, tell them. If you can do something but it causes pain or distress, tell them that too.

After the assessment, the assessor writes a report and sends it to the DWP. The DWP then makes a final decision. You will receive a decision letter that explains whether you have been awarded PIP, at what rate (standard or enhanced for daily living, standard or enhanced for mobility), and how much you will receive each week. The decision letter also explains how long the award lasts—usually two years, but sometimes longer or shorter depending on your condition.

What to do if the DWP turns down your claim

If the DWP refuses your claim, you have the right to ask them to reconsider. This is called a mandatory reconsideration. You must request it within one month of the decision letter. You can ask for a reconsideration by phone (0800 917 2222), online, or in writing. When you ask, explain why you think the decision is wrong. You can provide new information, such as a recent letter from your doctor or a detailed account of how your condition has worsened.

The DWP will review your case again. This can take several weeks. If they still refuse, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. An appeal is free and you do not need a lawyer, though you can bring someone to support you. The tribunal is separate from the DWP and makes its own decision based on the evidence. Many people who are refused PIP at first succeed at tribunal, so it is worth pursuing if you believe the decision is wrong.

How PIP interacts with other benefits and work

PIP is separate from other disability benefits. You can receive PIP and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) at the same time, or PIP and Universal Credit. PIP does not depend on your National Insurance contributions and is not means-tested, so your savings or income do not affect whether you can receive it. However, if you receive certain other benefits—such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance (AA)—you cannot receive PIP at the same time.

If you work, you can still receive PIP. There is no limit on how many hours you work or how much you earn. Some people on PIP work full-time; others work part-time or do voluntary work. If you are working and your condition worsens, you can still claim PIP. If you are already receiving PIP and you start work, your PIP does not stop.

If you receive PIP, you must tell the DWP if your circumstances change in a way that affects your claim—for example, if your condition improves significantly, you move house, or you go into hospital for a long stay. You do not need to report minor changes or day-to-day variations. The DWP will review your award periodically, and they may ask you to complete a new form or attend another assessment when your award is due to end.

Getting help with your process

Several organisations offer free support with PIP claims. Citizens information has local offices in most areas and can help you understand the process, fill in the form, and prepare for an assessment. Disability Rights UK provides information and guidance. Many charities that work with specific conditions—such as arthritis, mental health, or neurological conditions—also offer support. Your local council may have a welfare rights service that helps with benefits claims.

If you have a support worker, keyworker, or social worker, they can often help you with your claim. Some GPs' surgeries have welfare rights advisors on staff. You can also ask your GP to write a letter supporting your claim, which you can send to the DWP alongside your form. This letter should describe your condition, how long you have had it, what treatment you receive, and how it affects your daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for PIP if I am already receiving Disability Living Allowance?

No, you cannot receive both at the same time. However, the DWP will automatically invite you to claim PIP when you reach age 16 if you are on DLA. If you are over 16 and on DLA, you can ask to switch to PIP, but you will lose DLA when your PIP claim starts. It is usually worth switching because PIP rates are higher, but get information before you do.

What happens if my condition is variable and I have good days and bad days?

Tell the DWP about this in your form and at your assessment. Explain what you can do on a good day and what you cannot do on a bad day. The assessor is interested in what you can do reliably, not just on your best days. If you can only manage something occasionally or with significant difficulty, say so.

Do I have to attend the assessment appointment in person?

Usually yes, but you can ask for an alternative if attending in person is very difficult because of your condition. You can ask for the assessment to be done by phone or video call, or you can ask for it to be done at your home instead of at an assessment centre. Contact the DWP or the assessment company to discuss your needs.

How long does it take to get a decision after I submit my form?

The DWP aims to make a decision within 12 weeks of receiving your form, but this varies. If they need to contact your doctor or ask you for more information, it can take longer. If you are invited to an assessment, add another four to eight weeks. In total, expect three to six months from starting your claim to receiving a decision.

Can I work while I am waiting for a PIP decision?

Yes, you can work at any time while your claim is being processed. Working does not affect your claim or your chances of being awarded PIP. If you are already receiving another benefit like Universal Credit or ESA, working may affect that benefit, but it will not affect your PIP claim.