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Guide: Applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Published on: 07 Aug 2024

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people with a long-term health condition or disability. It helps with the extra costs of living with these conditions.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist patients in primary care with applying for PIP. This information is also available in an easy-read format.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria:

  • You are aged 16 or over and have not reached State Pension age.
  • You have a long-term health condition or disability that affects your daily living activities or mobility.
  • You have had these difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to continue for at least 9 months.

For more detailed eligibility criteria, visit the Gov.uk PIP eligibility page.

Step 2: Gather Required Information

You’ll need the following information to complete your application:

  • Contact details (name, address, phone number).
  • National Insurance number.
  • Bank or building society account details.
  • Your GP or other health professional’s contact details.
  • Details of any time you’ve spent abroad or in a care home or hospital.

Step 3: Start Your Claim

  1. Call the PIP claim line: You need to start your claim by calling the PIP claim line. The phone number is 0800 917 2222 (Textphone: 0800 917 7777).
    • Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.
  2. Provide basic information: During the call, you will be asked to provide the information gathered in Step 2.

Step 4: Complete the ‘How Your Disability Affects You’ Form

  1. Receive the form: After you make the call, you will be sent the form “How Your Disability Affects You” (PIP2).
  2. Fill in the form: Provide detailed information about how your condition affects your daily living and mobility. Include specific examples of the difficulties you face.
  3. Include supporting evidence: Attach any medical or other relevant evidence that supports your claim. This could include letters from doctors, care plans, or prescription lists.

For guidance on filling out the form, visit Citizens Advice PIP guide.

Step 5: Return the Form

  • Send the completed form: Return the form and supporting documents to the address provided on the form. You usually have one month from the date the form was sent to you to complete and return it.

Step 6: Attend a Medical Assessment

  1. Receive an appointment: You may be asked to attend a face-to-face assessment with a health professional.
  2. Prepare for the assessment: Bring any additional evidence and be prepared to discuss how your condition affects you day-to-day.

For what to expect at the assessment, visit Gov.uk PIP assessment page.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

  1. Receive a decision letter: After your assessment, you will receive a letter with the decision about your PIP claim. This can take several weeks.
  2. Understand the decision: The letter will explain whether you have been awarded PIP and at what rate.

Step 8: If You Disagree with the Decision

  1. Request a mandatory reconsideration: If you disagree with the decision, you can ask for it to be reconsidered. You must do this within one month of the decision date.
  2. Submit further evidence: Provide any additional evidence that supports your claim.

For more information on disputing a decision, visit Gov.uk PIP appeals page.

Additional Support

If you need help with your application, you can get free support from:

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