PIP: how to claim and how the points work (2026)
Updated: 2026-10-21
PIP (Personal Independence Payment) is money for extra living costs if a long-term health condition or disability makes everyday tasks or getting around hard. You claim by phone, fill in the PIP2 form and may have an assessment. You need 8 points for the standard rate and 12 for the enhanced rate.
What is PIP and who can get it?
PIP has two parts: daily living and mobility. You can get one or both. Each part is paid at a standard or an enhanced rate.
You can usually get PIP if:
- you are 16 or over and under State Pension age when you make a new claim
- you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
- you have had difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to last at least another 9 months (12 months in total)
- you live in England or Wales and have usually lived in Great Britain for at least 2 of the last 3 years
PIP is not means-tested. Your income, savings and job do not matter. Mental health conditions count too. Over State Pension age, you usually claim Attendance Allowance instead.
How do I claim PIP, step by step?
- Call the PIP new claims line: 0800 917 2222 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm; Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 917 2222). This first step is the PIP1 claim. You can also write to Freepost DWP PIP 1.
- Have ready: National Insurance number, bank details, your doctor's details, and dates of hospital stays or time abroad.
- Get the "How your disability affects you" form (PIP2). You may get an email link to fill it in online. A paper form usually arrives within 2 weeks.
- Send it back within 1 month. Describe a typical bad day. Say how long tasks take and what help or aids you need.
- Add copies of evidence, for example prescription lists, care plans or letters from your doctor.
- Go to the assessment if invited. It can be at a centre, at home, by phone or by video call, and usually takes about 1 hour. You can bring someone with you.
- Wait for the decision letter. It shows the rate, the first payment date and when your claim will be reviewed.
You cannot backdate PIP, so claim early.
How much time do I have?
| Event | Counted from | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return the PIP2 form | Date on the front of the form | Usually 1 month. Ask for more time on the PIP enquiry line before the deadline. | GOV.UK, Citizens Advice |
| Paper PIP2 form arrives | Your phone call | Usually within 2 weeks | GOV.UK |
| Decision on a new claim | Your claim | No time on GOV.UK. Median 18 weeks (DWP statistics, July 2026). | GOV.UK |
| Ask for mandatory reconsideration | Date on the decision letter | 1 month | GOV.UK |
| First award length | Decision | 9 months to 10 years | GOV.UK |
How do the PIP points work?
A health professional advises the DWP, and a DWP decision maker gives points. Each activity has statements (descriptors) worth 0 to 12 points.
Daily living (10 activities): preparing food, eating and drinking, managing treatments, washing and bathing, managing toilet needs or incontinence, dressing and undressing, communicating verbally, reading and understanding written information, mixing with others, and making decisions about money.
Mobility (2 activities): planning and following journeys, and moving around.
The points in each part are added up:
| Points in a part | Result |
|---|---|
| 0 to 7 | No award for that part |
| 8 to 11 | Standard rate |
| 12 or more | Enhanced rate |
Two rules matter. The statement must apply on most days (more than 50% of days in a year). And you must do the task reliably: safely, well enough, as often as needed, and in no more than twice the normal time. If not, you are treated as unable to do it.
How much is PIP?
Weekly rates for 2026 to 2027, as published on GOV.UK:
| Part | Standard rate | Enhanced rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily living | £76.70 | £114.60 |
| Mobility | £30.30 | £80.00 |
PIP is usually paid every 4 weeks and is tax free. What you get depends on your own decision letter.
What letter should I send? (Ready-made letter)
UK Help Agent explains PIP letters in your language. It also helps you put your PIP2 answers into clear English and writes a mandatory reconsideration letter if you disagree.
Record what happened, or send a photo of the letter. The explanation is free. A ready letter is £4.
What if I am refused or the deadline has passed?
If you are refused PIP or get a lower rate than expected, ask the DWP to look again (mandatory reconsideration) within 1 month of the date on the decision letter. See our guide Mandatory reconsideration: what it is and how to ask. After that, you can appeal to a tribunal.
Missed the PIP2 deadline? Call the PIP enquiry line now and explain why. If your claim was closed, you can claim again.
Is anything changing in 2026?
The government is reviewing PIP (the Timms Review), which aims to report in autumn 2026. Citizens Advice says nothing is changing now. Ideas being discussed are not decisions, so ignore rumours and follow GOV.UK and your letters.
Is it the same in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
- England and Wales: this guide applies.
- Scotland: PIP has been replaced by Adult Disability Payment (ADP) from Social Security Scotland. Weekly rates are the same. Apply at mygov.scot or call 0800 182 2222.
- Northern Ireland: PIP has its own service, the PIP Centre. Eligibility is very similar. Call 0800 587 0932 or see nidirect.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get PIP if I work?
Yes. PIP is not means-tested. Your income, savings and work do not stop you getting it.
How many points do I need for PIP?
8 to 11 points in a part gives the standard rate. 12 points or more gives the enhanced rate. Daily living and mobility are scored separately.
How long do I have to return the PIP2 form?
Usually 1 month. Check the date on the front of your form. If you need more time, contact the PIP enquiry line before the deadline.
How long does a PIP decision take?
GOV.UK does not give a time. DWP statistics show a median of 18 weeks from claim to decision for new claims (July 2026).
What if PIP is refused?
Ask for a mandatory reconsideration within 1 month of the date on your decision letter.
Sources
- GOV.UK: PIP eligibility
- GOV.UK: How to claim PIP
- GOV.UK: How much PIP you'll get
- GOV.UK: After you've applied for PIP
- GOV.UK: Benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027
- GOV.UK: PIP statistics to July 2026
- GOV.UK: The Timms Review
- Citizens Advice: Check if you're eligible for PIP
- Citizens Advice: How to claim PIP
- Citizens Advice: How the DWP makes a decision on PIP claims
- nidirect: Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- mygov.scot: Adult Disability Payment
Checked on: 2026-10-21
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change. For your own case, check the sources above or ask a free adviser, for example Citizens Advice.