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PIP

Personal Independence Payment

  1. PIP

Personal Indepedence Payment

You may be able to get help with some of the extra costs caused by long term ill-health or disability.

If you’re aged 16 to 64 you could claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The amount you get depends on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself.

You’ll be assessed by a health professional to work out the level of help you can get. Your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you’re getting the right support.

 

You must be aged 16 to 64 and have a health condition or disability where you:

  • have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
  • expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months (unless you’re terminally ill with less than 6 months to live)

 

You must have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years, and be in one of these countries when you apply. If you’ve recently returned from living in another EEA country, you might be able to get PIP sooner.

You can get PIP whether you’re working or not.

There are additional rules if you live abroad or if you’re not a British citizen.

 

Living abroad

You might still be able to get PIP if you:

  • live in another EU or EEA country or Switzerland - you can only get help with daily living needs
  • are a member or family member of the Armed Forces

 

If you’re not a British citizen

You must:

  • normally live in or show that you intend to settle in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands
  • not be subject to immigration control (unless you’re a sponsored immigrant)

You might still be able to get PIP if you are a refugee or have humanitarian protection status.

 

Daily living difficulties

You may get the daily living part of PIP if you need help more than half of the time with things like:

  • preparing or eating food
  • washing, bathing and using the toilet
  • dressing and undressing
  • reading and communicating
  • managing your medicines or treatments
  • making decisions about money
  • engaging with other people

 

Mobility difficulties

You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around.

 

Terminal illness

You’ll get the higher daily living part if you’re not expected to live more than 6 months. The rate of the mobility part depends on your needs.

 

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