Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Disability living allowance (DLA) for adults is being replaced by PIP (in England and Wales) and adult disability payment (in Scotland).

Parents and guardians in England or Wales can still apply for DLA for children.

If you already get DLA and were born on or before 8 April 1948, you’ll continue to get DLA as long as you’re eligible for it.

If you were born afterwards, your DLA will end. You’ll get a letter telling you what you need to do when this happens.

During your PIP assessment, you’ll be scored on your ability to complete certain daily living tasks and certain mobility tasks. Your scores will determine if you qualify for the daily living payment and/or the mobility part and at what rate.

The daily living tasks you’ll be assessed on are:

•    preparing food
•    eating/drinking
•    managing your condition and treatment
•    washing
•    going to the toilet
•    dressing and undressing
•    spoken communication
•    reading 
•    face-to-face communication
•    budgeting

The daily mobility tasks you’ll be assessed on are:

•    planning and completing journeys
•    moving around

To get an award for one or both components, you’ll need to score:

•    8 points for the standard rate
•    12 points for the enhanced rated

Take the PIP test to see how you might score.

If your doctor thinks you may be reasonably expected to live for less than a year, you can apply for PIP using a fast-track process called special rules.

You should get your first payment within two weeks of applying.

To make your claim, call the PIP claim line and organise for your doctor to send the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) a medical form called an SR1.

You must contact the PIP enquiry line if:

•    your personal details change e.g. name, address or doctor
•    there's a change in your condition or the help you need
•    your condition gets worse and you’re not expected to live more than a year
•    you go into hospital or a care home
•    you're going abroad for more than four weeks
•    you go to prison
•    your immigration status changes (if you’re not a British citizen)

PIP enquiry line

Telephone: 0800 121 4433

Textphone: 0800 121 4493

Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4433

British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Find out about call charges

If you disagree with your PIP claim decision, you can appeal.

You can challenge if:

•    your claim was denied
•    you got less than expected 
•    your award isn't as long as you were expecting

You should be aware, by challenging the amount or length, you could end up getting nothing at all.

You can apply for a reconsideration using the CRMR1 form.

You’ll need to fill in the form, print it and post it to the DWP.

If the DWP doesn’t change its decision, you can appeal to a tribunal.