How to Fill in the PIP2 Form ('How Your Disability Affects You')

You start a PIP claim by phone (0800 917 2222 for new claims; 0800 012 1573 in Northern Ireland). The DWP checks the basic conditions, then posts you the PIP2 form, ‘How your disability affects you’. In some areas a digital version of the claim is being rolled out, but the paper PIP2 is still the standard form for most people.

• ✓The form asks about 12 activities, 10 about daily living and 2 about getting around
• ✓It also asks for details of your conditions, medication, treatments and the professionals involved in your care
• ✓There's space to add anything else about how your conditions affect you, use it
• ✓You return it to the DWP, who then usually arrange a health assessment before deciding

The DWP doesn't just ask whether you can do an activity, it asks whether you can do it reliably. For every activity, ask yourself whether you can do it:

• ✓Safely, without risk of harm to yourself or others
• ✓To an acceptable standard, properly, not half-done
• ✓In a reasonable time, not far slower than someone without your condition
• ✓Repeatedly, as often as you need to through the day, not just once

If you fail any of these four, you should be treated as unable to do that activity, even if you can manage it once with great effort. Spell this out: “I can cook a meal, but only once, and afterwards I'm in too much pain to do anything for the rest of the day” scores; “I can cook” does not.

For every box, follow the same pattern, and always describe a typical bad day:

You don't have to send evidence, but a claim backed by evidence is much stronger and is less likely to be refused. Send copies (never originals) of:

• ✓A GP summary or letter, showing your diagnoses, medication and how your conditions affect you
• ✓Consultant, specialist or clinic letters and care plans
• ✓Reports from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, community mental health teams or social workers
• ✓A personal diary of bad days, what you couldn't do, and how long episodes lasted
• ✓A statement from someone who helps you, describing the support they give and the situations you struggle with

Before you post the form:

• ✓Photocopy or photograph every completed page, including any extra sheets, you'll want them for the assessment and any challenge
• ✓Use the envelope provided and get free proof of posting from the Post Office
• ✓Return it to the address on the form, by the deadline

After the DWP receives your form, most people are invited to a health assessment (by phone, video or in person). Take your copy of the form with you and describe your bad days. The DWP then makes a decision and sends an award letter. If you disagree with it, you can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration and then appeal.