More than 4 million adults in England and Wales claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP), according to the latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The benefit is awarded based on a points system that determines eligibility and payment amounts.
PIP 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, each with its own 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 remain the same.
Points Thresholds for PIP and ADP
For each component 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
This means someone could qualify for one component but not the other, depending on how their condition affects them. During an assessment, a health professional evaluates your ability to carry out daily living and mobility activities, considering any limitations and the help you need. The health professional then writes a report for the PIP decision maker, who uses all the evidence to decide entitlement, rate, and duration.
For ADP applications in Scotland, independent health professionals are not used; the entire application process is conducted in-house by Social Security Scotland.
Daily Living and Mobility Components
The daily living part of PIP may be awarded if you need 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 part may be awarded if you need help with working out a route and following it, physically moving around, or leaving your home. According to GOV.UK guidance, 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.
The DWP assesses how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks, looking at whether you can do them safely, how long they take, how often your condition affects the activity, and whether you need help from a person or extra equipment.
Descriptors and Scoring
Your ability to carry out each activity is measured against a list of standard statements known as descriptors. Each descriptor carries a points score ranging 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 wearing or using any aids or appliances it would be reasonable for you to use, whether or not you normally use them. Citizens Advice explains that an aid is any item which improves, provides, or replaces impaired physical or mental function, such as a stool to sit on when cooking or a walking stick.
According to Citizens Advice, the maximum points for daily living activities 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 activities, the maximum points are: planning and following journeys (12) and moving around (12).
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 it is paid weekly. Payments are made directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account. Weekly rates are: Daily Living Component – Enhanced £114.60, Standard £76.70; Mobility Component – 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 or health worker'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.
