Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for adults with health conditions or disabilities. As of 2026, over 3.9 million people in England and Wales claim PIP, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The benefit uses a points-based system to determine eligibility and payment amounts.
How the Points System Works
PIP has two components: daily living and mobility. Each component is assessed separately, and points are awarded based on how your condition affects your ability to perform tasks. The thresholds are:
- 8 to 11 points: standard rate
- 12 points or more: enhanced rate
You may qualify for one component but not the other. For example, you might get the daily living component at the standard rate but no mobility component.
Daily Living Component
This component helps with tasks such as preparing food, eating and drinking, managing medications, washing and bathing, using the toilet, dressing and undressing, reading, managing money, socialising, and communicating. Points are awarded based on the level of difficulty you have with each activity.
Mobility Component
The mobility component covers planning and following a route, physically moving around, and leaving your home. You do not need a physical disability to qualify; mental health conditions like anxiety can also affect your ability to get around.
Assessment Process
During a PIP assessment, a health professional evaluates your ability to carry out daily living and mobility activities. They consider safety, time taken, frequency of difficulty, and whether you need help from a person or equipment. The professional writes a report for the DWP decision maker, who then decides your entitlement, rate, and award duration.
In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has replaced PIP. The points system and payment rates are identical, but the application process is handled by Social Security Scotland without independent health professionals.
Descriptors and Points
Each activity has descriptors that describe your ability level. For example, dressing and undressing has six descriptors ranging from 'can dress and undress unaided' to 'cannot dress or undress at all'. Each descriptor carries a points score from 0 to 12. The maximum points per activity are:
- Preparing food: 8 points
- Taking medication: 10 points
- Managing therapy: 8 points
- Washing and bathing: 8 points
- Toilet needs: 8 points
- Dressing and undressing: 8 points
- Communicating verbally: 12 points
- Reading and understanding: 8 points
- Engaging with others: 8 points
- Making budgeting decisions: 6 points
- Planning journeys: 12 points
- Moving around: 12 points
Using aids or appliances can help you score points. An aid is any item that improves or replaces impaired function, such as a walking stick or a stool for cooking.
Payment Rates
PIP and ADP are paid every four weeks (weekly if terminally ill). The weekly rates are:
- Daily living enhanced: £114.60
- Daily living standard: £76.70
- Mobility enhanced: £80.00
- Mobility standard: £30.30
A person receiving both enhanced components gets £194.60 per week, which is £778 per month.
How to Claim
For PIP in England and Wales, contact the DWP. You will need your contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number, bank account info, doctor's details, and any time spent abroad or in care. For ADP in Scotland, apply via mygov.scot or call Social Security Scotland at 0800 182 2222.
