The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people with disabilities who need extra help with living costs. It is not means-tested, meaning you can claim even if you work, have savings, or receive other benefits. The key requirement is a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that causes difficulty with everyday tasks or getting around.
Two Components of PIP
PIP has two parts: a daily living part for help with everyday tasks, and a mobility part for assistance with getting around. Whether you receive one or both parts, and the amount, depends on the severity of your difficulties.
Daily Living Part
You may qualify for the daily living part 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 being around others
- Talking, listening, and understanding
Mobility Part
You may qualify for the mobility part if you need help with:
- Working out a route and following it
- Physically moving around
- Leaving your home
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) 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."
The 183-Day Rule
When assessing your needs, the DWP looks at whether you can do tasks safely, how long they take, and whether you need help from a person or equipment. The key rule is that difficulties must occur "most of the time," defined as at least 183 days over a 12-month period. The DWP explains: "To get PIP you must experience difficulty with tasks most of the time. This means that you expect to have difficulty more than half of the days over a 12-month period."
Other Eligibility Rules
You must be 16 or over, have a long-term condition or disability that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, and have difficulty with everyday tasks or getting around. You also need to be under State Pension age to make a new claim, unless you are nearing the end of life. Different rules apply if you live in Scotland (apply for Adult Disability Payment) or Northern Ireland.
PIP Payment Rates 2026/27
Weekly rates are as follows:
- Daily living part: lower rate £76.70, higher rate £114.60
- Mobility part: lower rate £30.30, higher rate £80.00
Payments are usually made every four weeks directly into your bank account.
How to Claim
Check eligibility first. If you live in England or Wales, call the PIP new claims line at 0800 917 2222 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm). You will answer basic questions and then complete a form about how your condition affects you. You may also need an assessment. If you need help, contact Citizens Advice or request a home visit from a DWP officer.
