How the PIP points system works
PIP is divided into two components: daily living and mobility. Each has a list of activities, and for each activity you score 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 points depending on how limited your ability is. You need 8 points or more in daily living to get the standard daily living rate (£76.70 per week) and 12 or more for enhanced (£114.60 per week). For mobility, 8 points gives the standard rate (£30.30 per week) and 12 the enhanced rate (£80.00 per week).
The PIP2 form: describe your worst days
The PIP2 form asks how your condition affects your ability to carry out daily activities. Many people make the mistake of describing their best or average days. You should describe how your condition affects you on your worst days, or on the days when it is at its most limiting. If your condition fluctuates, make that clear. Assessors are required to consider whether a condition affects you on more than 50% of days for scoring purposes.
Evidence that supports your claim
Supporting evidence from medical professionals significantly strengthens a PIP claim. GP letters, consultant reports, occupational therapist assessments, care plans and medication lists are all useful. You do not need to provide medical evidence to make a claim, but where it exists it helps. Ask your GP for a brief letter summarising your diagnoses and how they affect your daily functioning. A letter that just lists diagnoses without explaining the impact is less useful than one that describes functional limitations.
The health assessment: phone, video or face-to-face
After submitting the PIP2, most claimants are invited to a health assessment. This can be by telephone, video call or in person depending on your circumstances and what is appropriate for your conditions. The assessor is a healthcare professional (nurse, doctor, paramedic or occupational therapist) working for an independent assessment company, not DWP. The assessment usually takes 45 to 90 minutes. You can bring a friend or family member. The assessor writes a report that goes to DWP for the decision.
What assessors focus on
Assessors observe how you present during the assessment, including how you move, sit, communicate and organise your thoughts. This is noted in their report. Be consistent: if you say you cannot walk more than 20 metres but arrive having walked further, that inconsistency may be noted. Describe the aids, adaptations or support you use. If you need prompting, encouragement or someone else to help you complete activities, say so and explain in detail.
After the assessment: the decision and what to do if you disagree
DWP makes the decision based on the assessor's report and the PIP2. The decision letter explains the points awarded for each activity. If you disagree, you have one month to request a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR). If the MR does not change the decision, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. A large proportion of appeals result in awards or increased awards. Do not assume a negative decision is final.