Personal Independence Payment (PIP) — Your Complete Rights Guide
PIP is a benefit for people with a long-term health condition or disability that affects daily living or mobility. It is not means-tested — your income and savings do not affect eligibility. Around 3.6 million people in Great Britain receive PIP, but many more are entitled and don't claim. This guide explains what PIP is, how assessments work, what rates you can get, and how to challenge a decision.
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Who can claim PIP?
You may be able to get PIP if:
- ✓You're aged 16 to State Pension age
- ✓You have a physical or mental health condition or disability
- ✓The condition has affected you for at least 3 months
- ✓You expect it to affect you for at least 9 more months
- ✓You live in England, Scotland, or Wales (Northern Ireland has a separate system — see below)
The two components — Daily Living and Mobility
PIP is split into two components. You can receive one, both, or neither depending on your assessment score.
| Component | Standard rate (2024/25) | Enhanced rate (2024/25) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £72.65/week | £108.55/week |
| Mobility | £28.70/week | £75.75/week |
The Daily Living component covers activities like preparing food, washing, dressing, managing medications, communicating, and engaging with others. You need to score at least 8 points for the standard rate, or 12 for enhanced.
The Mobility component covers planning and following journeys, and moving around. You need to score at least 8 points for standard rate, or 12 for enhanced.
The assessment process
The PIP assessment is carried out by a healthcare professional (HCP) working for a private contractor (currently Capita or Atos, depending on your area). It's not a medical examination — it's a functional assessment of how your condition affects you day-to-day.
How to challenge a PIP decision
You have the right to challenge any PIP decision. There are two stages before an independent tribunal:
- ✓You can ask for a paper-based or oral hearing — oral hearings have a much higher success rate
- ✓A friend, family member, or welfare rights adviser can attend with you
- ✓You can ask for adjustments if you have difficulty attending (video link, home visit)
- ✓Your benefit continues at the current rate while you wait for tribunal
- ✓You do not need a lawyer — most successful appellants represent themselves or use a free adviser
PIP and other benefits
Receiving PIP can increase or unlock other entitlements:
- ✓PIP Daily Living component (either rate) entitles you to the Carer's Allowance if someone cares for you
- ✓PIP Mobility component (enhanced) may entitle you to a Motability vehicle or the Blue Badge scheme
- ✓PIP can top up Universal Credit (adding a disability premium)
- ✓PIP is disregarded as income — it does not reduce your UC, Housing Benefit, or other means-tested benefits
- ✓Council Tax reduction — some councils offer a discount if you receive PIP
Get advice about your specific situation
Ash is a free UK guidance assistant. Ask about your rights, get step-by-step guidance, and generate a formal letter if you need one.
Talk to Ash — it's freeNo sign-up · No account · Works for England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland