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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
14 min read
Written by
Purpl
Published on
December 26, 2024
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that can make a huge difference to people living with a disability or long-term health condition. It helps cover extra costs you may face in daily life, giving you greater independence and easing financial pressures. This guide is here to make the DWP PIP application process simple and stress-free.
From understanding what PIP is, to successfully applying, to making the most of your award, we’ll take you through each step in plain English. We also explain what to do if your application is delayed or rejected, and how to claim other benefits alongside PIP.
PIP (Personal Independence Payment is a disability benefit payment) helps improve your quality of life and eases the financial burden of living with a disability. PIP has nothing to do with whether you are working or not, this is a benefit payment to help cover the extra costs that come from living with a disability.
If you are over 16, you can apply for PIP if you have:
You can also apply for PIP if you have a terminal illness, there are guidelines to help you understand the specific process for this as the eligibility criteria and the process is different.
Citizen Advice Guide: to applying for PIP if you have a terminal illness
Citizen Advice Guide: for receiving PIP if you are over state pension age
Did you know that PIP is not means tested? You can work full time and earn a salary without it impacting your PIP disability benefit claim.
Georgina’s Top Disability Savings Tips
Before you start you can use a PIP self-test from the Benefits and Money website to see if you are eligible for claiming PIP. They also have helpful guides for those with specific conditions like ADHD and Long Covid.
The advice in this article is for England and Wales.
You will need to apply for Adult Disability Payment or Child Disability Payment. Find out more about Scottish Disability Living Payments for Adults and Scottish Disability Living Payments for Children.
To apply for PIP benefit, you will need to follow their process, Find out more information on how to apply for Personal Independence Payment in Northern Ireland.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has two parts, and when you apply, you’ll need to fill out a form that covers both. This will then determine how much help you require for example some people may have difficulties managing tasks like finances or communicating with others but have no difficulties in moving around.
The daily living component of PIP is to help individuals who need assistance with everyday tasks. It focuses on the ability to living independently and it assesses things like:
The mobility component of PIP is to help individuals who have difficulties getting around due to a physical or mental health condition, it assesses things like:
The PIP assessment form is divided into each section and there will be a number of questions that you will need to answer based on tasks that fall under either mobility difficulties or daily living difficulties. The assessor will then give you a total score for each component based on your answers and their assessment of you when you meet them either in person or over the phone. You can read more about this in our PIP Descriptors Guide
Based on the result of your assessment form and the the assessor’s decision you will receive a total score for the mobility component and daily living component. This will then determine whether you receive the standard rate of PIP or the enhanced rate of PIP for each component.
The standard rate of PIP is for people who require some support for the component and the enhanced rate is for those who require significant or constant support. The rate you receive depends on the score you get for each component:
Standard Rate of PIP: awarded when you score between 8-11 points for either or both components
Enhanced Rate of PIP: awarded when you score over 12 points for either or both components
If you’re wondering how do I apply for PIP or how do I apply for PIP benefits, the process is straightforward but requires careful documentation of your health needs.
Remember, PIP is designed to help with the extra costs that come with being disabled. It doesn’t depend on whether you work or how much you earn — it’s based solely on how your disability affects your daily life and the support you need to live independently.
No one chooses to be disabled, and I guarantee everyone of us would rather be free from our disability and give up our disability benefit payments. However, the fact is, that it’s expensive being living with a disability whether that’s physical or mental and this money is to help make life a little easier. You should not feel bad for claiming personal independence payment.
Here’s our Purpl guide to claim PIP benefit.
You will need to provide the following information to apply for PIP:
Below are details on how to obtain the PIP claim form, if you need help with this process there are organisations and individuals out there who can help you. For example you can contact Citizen Advice who can assist you with completing the form, Turn2Us
To start your PIP claim you will need to phone the ‘PIP new claims’ phone line and arrange to have the PIP Claims form sent to you, this form will ask you to provide information about your long-term health condition or disability.
Please note claiming for PIP by post will take longer to get a decision
The DWP will send you the initial PIP claim form called PIP2 – How Your Disability Affects You. This form asks you to provide detailed information about how your condition or disability affects your daily life.
You typically get one month to complete the form. If you need extra time you can contact the DWP for an extension.
You will need to complete the form and provide as much information as you can for each question. These answers need to explain your health challenges and how they impact your daily life and routine. Be sure to include as much medical evidence as you can – such as letters from your doctor and consultants.
Answer each question in detail, there are 15 sections to complete. The questions cover a range of daily tasks. They include how your disability affects preparing and eating food, managing your finances, and getting out and about.
Take your time and read the form carefully, the more detail you provide the better. Be honest and realistic, remember you will be assessed in the next stage of the process.
Georgina’s Top Disability Savings Tip
Don’t downplay your disability. Think about your worst days and use that as the basis for your answers. You won’t be able to go back and change the form, so take time to reflect on how your disability affects your daily life.
For each activity, give a clear example of what you struggle with. Mention how long it takes, whether you use aids, and what makes the task difficult. For instance, getting ready might take longer than it would for someone who is able-bodied. This could be because you need to sit down, can’t lift your legs easily, or have balance issues.
Make sure to include copies of your doctor, consultant and/or therapist letters to backup your claim. This will help make the process smoother.
There is lots of advice available to help you complete the form, for example; one of the best sources of advice is the Citizen Advice. There is also a video on YouTube for how to fill in your claim form so definitely worth watching.
Once you have completed your claim form you will need to send it back to the DWP. If you received the form online, follow the instructions provided to submit it. If you got a hard copy, make sure to post it back before the deadline. You should have received an envelope to return the form but if you didn’t you can contact the DWP.
I highly recommend taking copies of your completed form and any evidence you have sent with it. This will remind you of what you wrote on the form but also if your claim form gets lost you will still have the details you provided as some people may struggle to remember what they wrote especially if they have a condition that varies day to day.
Georgina’s Top Disability Savings Tips
In most cases, you’ll attend a PIP assessment to talk about your condition in more detail. This could take place in person, by phone, or over a video call.
A health professional working for the DWP carries out the PIP assessment. The assessment usually takes place at a centre, but it can also happen by phone or as a home visit.
If attending in person doesn’t work for you, contact the number on your letter to request a phone or home assessment instead.
The assessor reviews your claim form and asks about how your disability affects your daily life.
This is why taking copies of your claim form are important, as there may be time between sending your form back and getting an assessment date.
Let the Assessment Centre know if:
You may take someone with you to accompany you for your in person assessment. They can write notes for you and can remind you on how your disability impacts you. For example; your partner might see thing that you don’t see or consider a difficulty and highlight them during the assessment.
The PIP Assessment normally takes up to an hour.
After your assessment you will receive a decision on your PIP claim. The DWP will assess your application and decide whether you qualify for PIP and how much you will receive.
It’s important to understand that the process for applying for PIP benefit requires patience. It is not a quick process and can take months. The good news is that PIP will be paid backdated to when the claims form was first received.
It typically takes around 8 weeks to get a decision but sometimes it may take longer due to factors like:
Don’t be afraid to contact the DWP if you have been waiting longer than 8 weeks.
Georgina’s Top Disability Savings Tips
If you have provided a mobile telephone number the DWP will keep you informed of your claim process. DWP will text you when they’ve made a decision. Your PIP award letter should arrive within two weeks. Please note you cannot join Purpl with a text a message, you will need to wait for your Award Letter to arrive.
DWP sends you a PIP award letter explaining your payment amount and how long your award will last. This letter can be used to apply for other benefits including joining Purpl Disabled Discounts. For more information on benefits and freebies you can receive please read our article on PIP Discounts and Freebies
The amount you receive in PIP disability payments will depend on which components you qualify for and whether you will receive the standard or enhanced rate.
PIP payments are paid every four weeks, the 2024/5 rates are:
Therefore, how much PIP benefit you will receive each month depends on your individual assessment, which determines if you are eligible for one or both components and at which rate. The payments can help cover costs associated with your condition.
Many PIP claims are rejected at first. If you disagree with the decision, you can challenge it through a process called a ‘Mandatory Reconsideration’.
Reduce the risk of rejection by learning how assessors evaluate your specific disability. Connect with others in your community who’ve been through the process and learn from their experience. Their advice can help you prepare a stronger claim.
You can appeal against a PIP decision if you:
Please note that if you do challenge the decision given in regards to the amount or time the DWP might look into your whole case again and you could end up receiving nothing. The best thing to do is talk to someone who understands the process. You can speak to the Citizens Advice Bureau who can advise you on where to get the right help.
Yes, if the decision was changed after requesting the ‘Mandatory Reconsideration’ you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
The tribunal will review the evidence from both sides and make a final decision. It is part of the court system, separate from the DWP, so an independent person will make the decision after considering everything.
You can appeal any PIP decision:
The tribunal will assess whether the decision was correct at the time it was made, not any worsening of your condition. If this applies to you, seek advice from Citizens Advice Bureau
To appeal, you will need the letter from the DWP titled ‘Mandatory Reconsideration Notice’ (you can request a replacement if you can’t find it)
You must submit your appeal within one month of the date on the Mandatory Reconsideration notice
It may take time to reach a hearing, depending on where you live. The process can feel tough, but over half of PIP appeals succeed at tribunal. If you believe the decision was wrong, don’t let it stop you from appealing.
Before your PIP Award comes to an end you will receive a PIP review letter – you may receive this a year before it ends. You will have 4 weeks to return the form, if you ignore the form your payments will be stopped.
If there has been no change in your condition you can state that on the form. If there has been a change you will need to provide information on:
Currently (December 2024) there are long delays impacting the time it takes to get a PIP review decision, this is due to the DWP itself rather than the assessors. You could waiting over 8 months, but don’t worry during this time you will still continue to get your PIP benefit payments.
No matter how long you wait for a review decision you will still continue to receive your disability benefit payments
Georgina’s Top Disability Savings Tips
It is worth noting that if you request a review due to a change in your condition then it will be much quicker to get a decision.
Those people who are in receipt of PIP disability benefit will be eligible for other discounts and benefits to help reduce the cost of living with a disability. There are several articles on Purpl Life that highlight the benefits that disabled people in the UK may be entitled to receive.
Some of these benefits include:
I know that applying for PIP may feel overwhelming but breaking it down step by step makes it much more manageable. Take your time, gather your evidence and ask for help along the way, remember there is support available.
For more savings and resources, explore Purpl’s Disabled Discounts and Offers to help offset the cost of being disabled.
If you’re ready to get started, contact the PIP claims line today and take the first step towards the support you deserve to help you live more independently.
The PIP application process can take up to 20 weeks from the initial claim to receiving a decision.
Yes, PIP is not means-tested. Your employment status and income do not affect your eligibility, so you can work full-time or part-time and still receive PIP if you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your PIP claim is denied. You can appeal to an independent tribunal. The Citizens Advice can provide guidance during this process.
Yes, you can record your PIP assessment, but you must inform the assessment provider in advance and comply with their recording requirements. The benefit of recording your assessment means you can provide an accurate record for future reference.
Yes, you should inform the DWP about any changes to your circumstances including if you move countries as this could impact your disability payments.
Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges of living with a disability. Her mission is to work with brands to secure discounts that ease the cost of essential products, services, and everyday expenses for the disabled community.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina knows how it feels to lose independence due to a disability. She is passionate about holistic therapies and diet to manage inflammation and stay as healthy as possible. Her goal is to make Purpl an essential resource for disabled people, offering practical support, advice, and financial relief.
Beyond Purpl, Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation providing grants for disabled people who need extra financial support.
She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband, son, three stepsons, two cats, and a friendly Labrador. A keen reader, Lego enthusiast, and family-focused person, Georgina is committed to building a supportive, inclusive community for those navigating life with a disability.
Follow @Purpldiscounts for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.