Personal Independence Payment is a UK benefit for people with disabilities or health conditions that affect daily life

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a monthly payment from the UK government for adults aged 16 to 64 who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that makes everyday tasks harder. You do not need to have worked to receive it, and it is separate from employment — you can claim it whether you work or not.

PIP replaces an older benefit called Disability Living Allowance for adults. The payment comes in two parts: a daily living component and a mobility component. Each part has two rates — standard and enhanced — depending on how much support you need. The amount you receive depends on how your condition affects you, not on your diagnosis.

The payment is not means-tested, which means your savings or income do not affect whether you can receive it. However, you must meet specific conditions about how long you have had your condition and how it impacts your ability to carry out everyday activities like eating, washing, getting around, or communicating.

Key Takeaways

  • PIP is a monthly payment for people aged 16 to 64 with disabilities or long-term health conditions that affect daily living or mobility.
  • The payment has two separate components — daily living and mobility — each with a standard and enhanced rate, so you may receive one, both, or neither.
  • Your condition must have lasted at least three months and be expected to last at least nine more months before you can receive PIP.
  • The assessment process involves a detailed form, supporting evidence from your doctor or healthcare provider, and often a face-to-face assessment with a healthcare professional.
  • PIP is not affected by how much money you have saved or how much you earn, and you can receive it while working.

The two components of PIP and what they cover

The daily living component covers support with everyday tasks: preparing food, eating and drinking, washing and bathing, using the toilet, dressing and undressing, managing medication, and communicating with other people. If your condition makes these tasks much harder or impossible without help, you may receive this component.

The mobility component covers support with getting around: planning and following journeys, moving around indoors, and moving around outdoors. This component is for people who cannot walk far, have difficulty with balance, or need someone to guide them or push a wheelchair.

You can receive daily living only, mobility only, both components, or neither. Each component has two rates: standard rate (lower) and enhanced rate (higher). The rate you receive depends on how much difficulty you have with the activities listed, not on the type of condition you have.

Who can claim PIP and the time requirements

You must be aged 16 to 64 to claim PIP. Your condition must have lasted for at least three months already, and it must be expected to last for at least nine more months from the date you claim. This means you cannot claim PIP for a temporary injury or short-term illness.

You must also be a UK resident and usually have been living in the UK for at least two of the last three years. If you are from the European Economic Area or Switzerland, different rules may apply depending on your immigration status.

There is no requirement to have worked or paid National Insurance contributions. You can claim PIP whether you are employed, self-employed, unemployed, or a student. If you are already receiving another disability benefit, you may need to stop that benefit when you start receiving PIP.

How the PIP assessment process works

The first step is to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to request a claim form. You can do this by phone, online, or by post. The DWP will send you a detailed form asking about how your condition affects you in daily life. This form is lengthy and asks specific questions about what you can and cannot do.

After you return the form, the DWP will ask for evidence from your healthcare providers — your GP, specialist, nurse, or therapist. You should provide as much detail as possible about how your condition affects you on a typical day, including your worst days and your best days.

In most cases, the DWP will arrange a face-to-face assessment with a healthcare professional who works for a private company contracted by the DWP. This assessment usually lasts 20 to 60 minutes and covers how you manage daily activities and mobility. After the assessment, a decision maker at the DWP reviews all the evidence and makes a final decision about whether you receive PIP and at what rate.

How much PIP pays and how often you receive it

The payment rates change each year in April. As of April 2024, the daily living component ranges from £68.10 per week at standard rate to £101.75 per week at enhanced rate. The mobility component ranges from £26.89 per week at standard rate to £71.00 per week at enhanced rate. These figures vary year to year, so check the current rates on the UK government website.

PIP is paid directly into your bank account every four weeks. If you receive both components at enhanced rate, your total payment would be £172.75 per week, but most people receive a combination of rates or only one component.

The amount does not change based on your age, where you live, or how much money you have. It also does not affect other benefits you may receive, such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, though receiving PIP may change the amount of those benefits.

What happens after you are awarded PIP

Once you are awarded PIP, your award is given for a set period: usually two years, five years, or ten years depending on how your condition is expected to change. Before your award ends, the DWP will contact you to ask whether your condition has changed. You must tell them about any changes, even if you think they will not affect your payment.

If your condition improves, your payment rate may decrease or stop. If your condition worsens, you can request a reassessment. You can also appeal a decision if you disagree with it within one month of receiving the decision letter, though you can ask for a late appeal if you have a good reason.

If you move abroad, your PIP will usually stop. If you return to the UK, you may be able to reclaim it, but the rules depend on where you have been and for how long.

PIP and work: how earning money affects your claim

You can work and receive PIP at the same time. There is no limit on how much you can earn — PIP is not means-tested and your income does not affect the amount you receive. Some people work full-time while receiving PIP; others work part-time or do voluntary work.

However, you must be honest about your condition and how it affects you. If you claim you cannot do certain activities to receive PIP but then do those activities regularly at work, the DWP may investigate and reduce or stop your payment. The assessment is about your typical situation, not about what you can do on your best days or in specific circumstances.

If you are thinking about starting work or increasing your hours, you do not need to tell the DWP in advance. But if your circumstances change significantly — for example, if your condition improves or you stop working — you should report this within one month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim PIP if I am already receiving another disability benefit?

You can claim PIP while receiving some other benefits, but you cannot receive both PIP and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) at the same time. If you are on DLA, you will be invited to claim PIP instead. You can receive PIP alongside Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, or other benefits, though receiving PIP may change the amount of those payments.

What if I disagree with the PIP decision?

You can ask the DWP to reconsider the decision within one month of receiving the decision letter. If you are still unhappy, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. You do not need a lawyer, but you can bring someone to support you. Many charities offer free help with appeals.

How long does it take to get a decision on a PIP claim?

The DWP aims to make a decision within 12 weeks of receiving your completed form, but this can take longer if they need more evidence from your healthcare providers or if there is a delay in arranging your assessment. Some claims take several months.

Can I receive PIP if I am self-employed?

Yes, you can claim PIP whether you are self-employed, employed, or not working. Your employment status does not affect your claim. You must still meet all the other conditions about your condition lasting long enough and affecting your daily life.

What should I do if my condition changes while I am receiving PIP?

If your condition gets worse, you can ask for a reassessment at any time. If it improves, you must tell the DWP within one month. Changes in your condition can affect your payment rate or whether you continue to receive PIP, so it is important to report them promptly.