Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants need between 8 and 11 points for the standard rate of each component, and 12 points or more for the enhanced rate, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The enhanced daily living and mobility rates combined give a weekly total of £194.60, which works out at £778.40 every four weeks.
Latest DWP figures show 4.1 million adults in England and Wales now claim PIP. The benefit is not based on a specific condition but on how a health condition or disability affects a person's ability to carry out everyday tasks and move around. There are two separate components, with separate payment awards providing between £30.30 and £194.60 a week in additional financial support.
In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has replaced all new and existing PIP claims, but the payment rates and points system are the same.
How the points system works
For each part of PIP, the following thresholds apply to both the daily living and mobility components:
- 8 to 11 points – standard rate
- 12 points or more – enhanced rate
Someone could qualify for one component but not the other, depending on how their condition affects them. When assessed, a health professional looks at your ability to carry out daily living and mobility activities, considering whether your condition limits your ability and how much help you need. The health professional writes a report for the PIP decision maker, who decides whether you are entitled to the benefit, at what rate and for how long.
The decision maker determines whether your ability is limited (standard rate) or severely limited (enhanced rate). For ADP in Scotland, independent health professionals are not used; the entire application process is conducted in-house by Social Security Scotland.
Daily living and mobility activities
The daily living component covers help with preparing food, eating and drinking, managing medicines or treatments, washing and bathing, using the toilet, dressing and undressing, reading, managing money, socialising, and talking, listening and understanding. The mobility component covers working out a route and following it, physically moving around, and leaving your home.
GOV.UK guidance states: “You do not have to have a physical disability to get the mobility part. You might also be eligible if you have difficulty getting around because of a cognitive or mental health condition, like anxiety.”
For each task, the DWP looks at whether you can do it safely, how long it takes, how often your condition affects the activity, and whether you need help from a person or using extra equipment.
Descriptors and scoring
Your ability to carry out each activity is measured against standard statements called descriptors, each carrying a points score from 0 to 12. For example, there are six descriptors for 'Dressing and undressing', ranging from 'Can dress and undress unaided' to 'Cannot dress or undress at all'.
Your ability is assessed as if you were using any aids or appliances it would be reasonable to use, whether or not you normally use them. Citizens Advice explains: “An aid is any item which improves, provides or replaces impaired physical or mental function. It doesn’t have to be specially designed as a disability aid. Examples include a stool you need to sit on when cooking, or a walking stick to help you stand.”
Maximum points per daily living activity are: preparing food (8), taking medication (10), managing therapy or monitoring a health condition (8), washing and bathing (8), managing toilet needs or incontinence (8), dressing and undressing (8), communicating verbally (12), reading and understanding symbols and words (8), engaging with other people face to face (8), and making budgeting decisions (6). For mobility, the maximum points are 12 for planning and following journeys, and 12 for moving around.
Payment rates and how to claim
PIP and ADP are paid at the same rates, usually every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case payment is weekly. Weekly rates are: daily living enhanced £114.60, standard £76.70; mobility enhanced £80.00, standard £30.30.
To make a new PIP claim, contact the DWP with your contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number, bank or building society account number and sort code, your doctor's name and address, and dates and addresses for any time spent abroad, in a care home or hospital. For ADP, apply over the phone, by post or in-person via mygov.scot or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
