How to Apply for PIP in England and Wales

Starting a PIP claim is free — here's how

Personal Independence Payment is not means-tested. Your savings, earnings, partner's income, and National Insurance record are irrelevant. If you're 16 or over and usually under State Pension age, living in England or Wales, and a physical, mental, cognitive, or sensory condition has affected your daily life for at least three months and is expected to continue for at least nine more, you can claim.

PIP is a separate benefit from the Scottish Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and Northern Ireland PIP. If you live in Scotland, apply through Social Security Scotland. If you live in Northern Ireland, apply through the Department for Communities. This guide covers England and Wales only.

There is no charge to apply for PIP, no form fee, and no medical exam fee. The application costs nothing.

Step 1: Call the DWP New Claims Line

Ring 0800 917 2222 (freephone), Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. If you cannot hear or speak on the phone, use Relay UK by dialling 18001 then 0800 917 2222. A BSL video relay service is available through GOV.UK.

The DWP agent will complete a short form called the PIP1, collecting your name, address, National Insurance number, GP details, bank account, and a summary of your conditions. Have these ready before you call.

You can also start a claim by post or, in some areas, online — check GOV.UK to see if online claiming is available for your postcode.

Your claim date is the date the telephone claim is properly completed (or the date of first notification for a postal claim, provided the full claim follows within a month). PIP cannot be backdated before that date, so don't wait for medical results before making the call — protect your claim date early.

Step 2: Complete the PIP2 form

After the initial call, the DWP sends you the PIP2 questionnaire — "How your disability affects you." You may also get an email link to complete it online.

The PIP2 covers:

• Section 1: Your health condition or disability, medications, side effects, and treatments
• Section 2: Up to three health professionals who know about your limitations
• Section 3: How your condition affects daily life, including the ten daily living activities, two mobility activities, and Question 15 for additional information
• Section 4: What happens next

You have one calendar month from the date of the request to return the form. If you need more time, call the PIP enquiry line (0800 121 4433) before the deadline to ask for an extension. The DWP can allow a longer period if they consider it reasonable.

If you don't return the form and don't have a good reason, the DWP must make a negative determination for the component the missing information relates to.

Step 3: Submit your evidence

Send photocopies of supporting evidence with your PIP2 — never originals. Write your name and National Insurance number on every page. Strong evidence includes occupational therapy reports, care plans, psychiatric assessments, prescription summaries, and a 2–4 week symptom diary. The DWP says not to send general information or factsheets about your condition.

Step 4: Attend the assessment

Most claims are referred to an independent assessment provider. You may be assessed by telephone, video call, in person at an assessment centre, or at home. You can request a different format if you need it, and you can bring a companion. Telephone and face-to-face consultations are audio-recorded unless you opt out; video consultations are not recorded.

Step 5: Wait for the decision

The DWP decision maker reviews your PIP2, your evidence, and the assessor's report before sending a written decision letter. As of July 2026, the median wait for a normal-rules new claim was 18 weeks from start to finish.

If you're awarded PIP, entitlement starts from the date of your claim, or from the later date when the three-month qualifying period is met. PIP is paid four-weekly in arrears. If you disagree with the decision, you can request a mandatory reconsideration within one calendar month.

What PIP means for your other benefits

PIP is not counted as income for Universal Credit. An award of PIP Daily Living allows a carer to claim the UC Carer Element (£209.34/month in 2026/27) and satisfies the disability benefit requirement for Carer's Allowance (£86.45/week). PIP Enhanced Mobility gives access to the Motability Scheme and full Vehicle Excise Duty exemption. PIP can also trigger Blue Badge eligibility and protect your household from the Benefit Cap.

Get the complete process in one place

The PIP Claim Guide for England and Wales walks you through every stage from the first call to the decision, with structured worksheets for the PIP2 form, an evidence index, and a decision audit scorecard. There's also a free checklist you can download without buying anything.

See more England and Wales guides →