Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance

Who can claim Personal Independence Payment?

You may qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if you:

• are under State Pension age
• have difficulties with daily activities or mobility outdoors, or both, because of a disability or long-term physical or mental health problems. 

Daily activities could include things like:

• washing and bathing
• getting dressed and undressed
• preparing food
• managing treatment
• reading and understanding signs, symbols and words
• communicating.

For a full list of daily activities, see our Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance factsheet.

The two mobility activities that are assessed are:

• planning and following a journey
• moving around.

PIP has replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for anyone making a new claim, so if you’re claiming for the first time you’ll need to claim PIP. If you’re over State Pension age, unless you have been invited to make a claim for PIP, you should apply for Attendance Allowance instead.

PIP isn't means-tested, so you can claim regardless of your income and savings. You can still claim even if you have work, study or caring responsibilities.

If you’re currently claiming DLA

PIP is gradually replacing DLA. If you’re claiming DLA and were 65 or over on 8 April 2013, this change won’t affect you and you’ll stay on DLA for as long as you remain entitled to it. If you were under 65 on that date, you’ll eventually be invited to apply for PIP instead. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will tell you when to do this. If you don't apply when invited, your DLA will stop.

You shouldn't apply for PIP until you’re contacted by the DWP, because there’s no guarantee you’ll be awarded PIP and you risk losing your DLA. If you want to claim PIP before you're invited, get advice first. Contact your local Citizens Advice.

How much is it worth?

There are two different rates for each component of PIP. You may be able to receive one or both components.

Daily Living Component weekly rate

Mobility Component weekly rate

If you receive the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP, you may be able to exchange it to hire or buy a car, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability scheme.

You don’t have to spend your PIP on care – it’s up to you how you spend the money. Claiming PIP won’t reduce the amount you receive from other benefits.

How do I claim?

You can no longer make a claim for DLA. If you’re claiming for the first time, apply for PIP.

Call the DWP- PIP claims helpline. They’ll ask you for some basic details and fill in the basic PIP1 claim form over the phone with you. If you meet the basic eligibility criteria, you'll be sent the PIP2 application form. You can’t apply online.

When you fill in the form, give as much detail as you can about how your condition affects you. For tips on filling in the application form, see our Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance factsheet.

If you're terminally ill, you don't have to complete a PIP2 application form. However, your doctor or consultant will need to complete a DS1500 form with information about your condition to send to the DWP.

Once your claim form has been assessed, you’ll normally have to attend a face-to-face assessment. It’s a good idea to get as much information about the assessment before you attend. Citizen’s Advice has a useful guide to help you prepare.

The DWP will then write to you to let you know the outcome of your claim. If you’re turned down for PIP, you generally have one month to make an appeal.

If you need help completing the application form, preparing for assessments or making an appeal, contact your local Age UK or Citizens Advice. You can also ask the DWP for help if your disability or health condition makes it difficult for you to make a claim or attend meetings – for example, if you have problems reading or filling in a form, using a phone or computer, or understanding complex information. Find out more about the help available on Gov.uk.

The DWP has put together a series of videos explaining the key stages in applying for PIP. These include advice on what you need to send to support your claim and information about what should happen at your assessment.