Personal Independence Payment (PIP): who can claim, the rates and how to apply
Published · 4 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
Personal Independence Payment helps with extra costs caused by a long-term health condition or disability. This guide explains who can claim, the weekly rates, how a claim works and what to do if you disagree with a decision.
Who this guide is for
This guide is general information about PIP in England and Wales. It is not advice for your own situation. It does not cover Scotland or Northern Ireland, which have their own arrangements (see below), and it does not cover Attendance Allowance, which is for people over State Pension age.
The figures were checked on GOV.UK on 12 October 2026, during the 2026/27 tax year. GOV.UK lists weekly rates without stating a tax year on the page, so check the date on the official page.
What PIP is for
PIP is for extra costs of living with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. It is not based on the condition itself. It depends on how hard you find everyday tasks and getting around. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) looks at whether you can do a task safely, how long it takes and whether you need help from a person or equipment. You need to have difficulty with tasks most of the time, which GOV.UK defines as more than half of the days over a 12 month period.
Who can claim
- You must be 16 or over. You can usually only make a new claim if you are under State Pension age.
- You need a long-term condition or disability, with difficulties expected to last at least 12 months from when they started.
- You must have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years, and be living in England or Wales when you apply. There are different rules for some people returning from or living in certain European countries, and for Armed Forces families.
Working or having savings does not stop you getting PIP. People nearing the end of life have a different, faster way to claim.
What PIP pays
PIP has two parts. You can get one or both, and each has a lower and a higher weekly rate. GOV.UK lists these rates:
- Daily living part: £76.70 (lower rate) or £114.60 (higher rate) a week.
- Mobility part: £30.30 (lower rate) or £80 (higher rate) a week.
PIP is usually paid every 4 weeks. It is tax free, and the amount is not affected by your income or savings.
How a claim works
You can start a claim by phone on 0800 917 2222 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) or by post. In some areas you can make the full application online. It helps to have your contact details, National Insurance number if you have one, bank details and your doctor or health worker's details.
You are then sent the form "How your disability affects you". GOV.UK says it should be returned within 1 month. If you need more time, you can contact the PIP enquiry line. Supporting documents, such as a care plan or list of medicines, can be included.
You might be invited to an assessment with a health professional if more information is needed. It can be at an assessment centre, at home, over the phone or by video call, and usually lasts about 1 hour. You can bring someone with you. The audio is recorded, and you can contact the assessment provider if you do not want it recorded.
After the decision
You get a letter saying whether you will get PIP. If you do, it gives the date of your first payment and when the claim will be reviewed. GOV.UK says a first award runs for between 9 months and 10 years, depending on whether your needs are likely to change.
During a review you keep being paid. You will be sent a review form to return within 1 month, and your PIP might then be increased, reduced or stopped. It is important to tell DWP about any change in your needs or circumstances.
If you disagree with a decision
You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration. You usually need to ask within one month of the date of the decision, though a later request may be accepted for a good reason such as a hospital stay or bereavement. If you are still unhappy afterwards, you can appeal to a tribunal. Free, independent help with claims and challenges is available from Citizens Advice.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, people apply for Adult Disability Payment instead of PIP through mygov.scot. If you move from England or Wales to Scotland, GOV.UK says your PIP stops 13 weeks after you move. Northern Ireland has its own PIP service, explained on nidirect.
Check before you act
Rates, rules and forms change. It is worth confirming everything on the official pages linked below before relying on this guide.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
