Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (2024)

FAQs

What is the best answer for PIP questions? ›

These general PIP assessment tips will also help you: Don't let the assessor rush you. Try not to just answer 'yes' or 'no' to the questions. Always explain how doing something would make you feel afterwards and the impact it can have on you if you had to do it repeatedly in a short period.

Talking about how your condition affects you

It can be hard to do this but it will really help if you can talk about: the kind of things you have difficulty with, or can't do at all - for example, walking up steps without help or remembering to go to appointments. how your condition affects you from day to day.

The overall average success rate for PIP claims is 52%. But this can vary greatly depending on the condition.

To qualify for PIP, you need to show that you need help with the activities on more than half the days in a year. Make it clear on the form how often you have problems with the activities. If your health changes, explain how often this happens and the effect it has on you. It may help to keep a diary.

If you fail to improve after the first or final warning, this could ultimately lead to your dismissal based on your capability although you would usually be expected to have one final extension of time under a PIP (or new PIP) in which to improve.

Emphasize your difficulties due to your anxiety and depression in the PIP claim form. For example, mention how panic attacks prevent you from leaving the house or participating in social activities. Draw attention to any issues with focus, memory, or decision-making.

What is good evidence for PIP? ›

Supporting evidence can come in the form of: Statement from a carer, friend or family member. Daily routine diary and personal statement. Medical evidence (records, prescriptions, letters from medical professionals).

Every PIP should include a detailed action plan for how the team member can improve. This action plan may include goals, progress milestones, and additional training. In particular, make sure the goals you set are SMART. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.

“Trick” Questions to Watch Out For

For instance, if an assessor asks about your ability to go out, they're not just asking if you can leave the house—they want to know about the planning it requires, the physical toll, and how it affects you afterward.

The PIP allowance rate you may be entitled to depends on whether you're eligible for the daily living or the mobility components of the DWP assessment. For the daily living component: The lower rate is £72.65 a week. The higher rate is £108.55 a week.

To qualify for PIP, you need to show that you need help with the activities on more than half the days in a year. Make it clear on the form how often you have problems with the activities. If your health changes, explain how often this happens and the effect it has on you. It may help to keep a diary.

Psychiatric disorders

With 37% of people receiving PIP having a psychiatric disorder, it is the most common condition people receiving PIP claim for. Psychiatric disorders are mental health conditions that can affect how a person thinks and feels about themselves and/or the world around them.

Always bear in mind the 50% rule. The PIP process needs to know if you have difficulty with, or can't do, daily tasks 50% of the time or more. So that's at least half of the time.