JuniperHealth

PIP

How to claim PIP, step by step

Claiming PIP takes a few steps and can feel daunting. This guide takes you through each one, with tips to make your claim as strong as it can be.

Written by Neil Hyde Last checked 3 minute read

On this page
  1. Before you start
  2. Step 1: Start your claim
  3. Step 2: Fill in the "How your disability affects you" form
  4. Step 3: Send evidence
  5. Step 4: The assessment
  6. Step 5: The decision
  7. Getting paid
  8. Free help with your claim

Before you start

Have these to hand:

  • your National Insurance number
  • your bank or building society details
  • your GP's name, address and phone number, and those of any other health professionals you see
  • dates of any stays in hospital or a care home
  • dates of any time spent abroad for more than 4 weeks

Step 1: Start your claim

You can start your claim by phone or, in many areas, online at GOV.UK. Someone else can call for you, but you will need to be with them.

If you are terminally ill, say so. Your claim will be handled under the special rules, which are faster, and you will not need to fill in the long form.

Step 2: Fill in the "How your disability affects you" form

The DWP will post you a form (called the PIP2), or you may be able to fill it in online. You normally have one month to send it back.

This form is the most important part of your claim. Tips:

  • Read the questions first. They follow the 12 PIP activities. Our self-check can help you plan your answers.
  • Describe your typical and bad days, not just your good days.
  • Explain the reliability rules for you. Can you do it safely? Well enough? As often as you need? In a reasonable time? What happens afterwards?
  • Give real examples, like "I fell getting out of the bath in March" or "I left the hob on twice last month".
  • Mention every aid you use, or need but do not have.
  • Use the extra space. Add pages if you need to. Put your name and National Insurance number on each one.
  • Do not leave boxes blank unless they really do not apply.
  • Keep a copy of the form and everything you send.

Step 3: Send evidence

Evidence helps the DWP understand your needs. Useful evidence includes:

  • letters or reports from your GP, consultant, nurse, physiotherapist or occupational therapist
  • your list of medicines (a repeat prescription list is fine)
  • a symptom diary covering a few weeks
  • a short statement from a family member, friend or carer about the help you need
  • care plans or support plans

Send copies, not originals. Do not delay sending the form to wait for evidence. You can send more later.

Step 4: The assessment

Most people are asked to have an assessment with a health professional. It is usually by phone or video, or sometimes face to face. Read how to prepare for your PIP assessment.

Step 5: The decision

A DWP decision maker looks at your form, your evidence and the assessment report, then sends you a decision letter. It tells you:

  • whether you have been awarded PIP
  • which parts and rates
  • how many points you scored for each activity
  • how long the award lasts

If you disagree, you have one month to ask the DWP to look again. See how to challenge a PIP decision.

Getting paid

PIP is usually paid every 4 weeks into your bank account. It is paid from the date you started your claim, so the first payment may include a back payment.

Free help with your claim

  • Citizens Advice: help with forms and appeals
  • Local welfare rights services: often run by your council
  • Turn2us: a free benefits calculator and grant search
  • Charities for your condition, such as Fibromyalgia Action UK

Common questions

How long do I have to send the PIP form back?

Usually one month from the date on the form. If you need more time, call the PIP enquiry line before the deadline and ask for an extension.

Can someone help me fill in the form?

Yes. A friend, family member or adviser can help, or fill it in with you. Free help is available from Citizens Advice and local welfare rights services.

Will my PIP be backdated?

If you are awarded PIP, it is paid from the date you started your claim (usually the date of your first call), as long as you send the form back on time.

Sources we used

We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.