How do I apply for PIP?

Before you start

Check you are likely to qualify. You need to be 16 or over and usually under State Pension age. You must have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that makes everyday tasks or getting around difficult. You must expect the difficulties to last at least 12 months from when they started.

Have these ready for the first call:

• your contact details and date of birth
• your National Insurance number
• your bank or building society details
• your doctor's or health worker's name, address and phone number
• dates of any stays in hospital or a care home
• dates of any time abroad for more than 4 weeks

Step by step

1. Start your claim. Call the PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm). Relay UK users dial 18001 then 0800 917 2222, and a video relay service is available for British Sign Language. Someone else can help you on the call. In some areas you can apply fully online, so check your postcode on GOV.UK first.
2. Or start by post. Write to "Freepost DWP PIP 1" asking to start a claim. You do not need a stamp or postcode.
3. Fill in the main form. It is called "How your disability affects you". Explain how your condition affects each daily task and moving around, and how often.
4. Send it back within 1 month. You can return it by post, or online if you started by phone. If you need more time, contact the PIP enquiry line.
5. Go to your assessment if asked. It may be at a centre, at home, by phone or by video call, and usually takes about 1 hour. You can bring someone with you.
6. Wait for the decision letter. It tells you if you will get PIP, how much, the date of your first payment and when your award will be reviewed.

Time and cost

Claiming is free. The form must be back within 1 month. Awards last between 9 months and 10 years. PIP is usually paid every 4 weeks into your bank account.

If you are nearing the end of life

If a doctor or healthcare professional has said you may have 12 months or less to live, you can claim under special rules. Call the PIP new claims line and say you are claiming under the special rules. Ask your doctor or healthcare professional for form SR1. You will not need a face-to-face assessment, and you get the higher daily living rate of £114.60 a week.

After you apply

If you disagree with the decision, you can ask DWP to look at it again. This is called mandatory reconsideration and you usually need to ask within one month of the decision.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

• Wales: apply for PIP in the same way as in England.
• Scotland: apply for Adult Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland online or on 0800 182 2222. Part 1 is due within 14 days and part 2 within 56 days.
• Northern Ireland: PIP is run by the Department for Communities. Call the PIP Centre on 0800 587 0932. You also get one month to return the form.

Related guides

• What happens at a PIP assessment?
• How long does a PIP claim take?
• Who can get PIP?
• What is PIP (Personal Independence Payment)?
• How much is PIP?

Where this comes from

• PIP: how to claim (GOV.UK)
• PIP: eligibility (GOV.UK)
• PIP: after you've applied (GOV.UK)
• Claiming PIP if you're nearing the end of life (GOV.UK)
• How to apply for Adult Disability Payment (mygov.scot)
• Personal Independence Payment (nidirect)