What happens at a PIP assessment?

What the assessment is for

After you send back your "How your disability affects you" form, DWP may ask you to an assessment. An independent health professional asks how your condition affects your daily life and getting around, and about any treatment you have had. They write a report for DWP.

The health professional does not decide your claim. A DWP case manager reads the report, your form and any other evidence, then makes the decision.

Some claims are decided on paper, without a meeting, if there is already enough evidence.

Types of assessment

It usually takes about 1 hour. You get a letter with the date and time at least 7 days before.

Bringing someone and recording

You have the right to bring someone with you, such as a carer, friend, family member or support worker. They can help you answer questions.

Phone and face-to-face assessments are audio recorded unless you choose to opt out. Video calls are not recorded.

The 12 activities and points

The health professional looks at 12 activities.

Daily living (10):

1. Preparing food
2. Taking nutrition (eating and drinking)
3. Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition
4. Washing and bathing
5. Managing toilet needs or incontinence
6. Dressing and undressing
7. Communicating verbally
8. Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words
9. Engaging with other people face to face
10. Making budgeting decisions

Mobility (2):

11. Planning and following journeys
12. Moving around

Each activity has statements (called descriptors) with points. Your points are added up for each part.

The "reliably" test

You only count as able to do a task if you can do it:

• safely, without harming yourself or others
• to an acceptable standard
• as often as needed
• in a reasonable time, no more than twice as long as someone without your condition

A descriptor applies if it affects you on more than half the days over a 12 month period. So talk about your bad days as well as good ones.

After the assessment

After the assessment, DWP sends you a letter with its decision. If you do not attend, you may not get PIP, so contact the provider quickly if you cannot go. If you disagree with the decision, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

• Wales: the same assessment process as England.
• Scotland: Adult Disability Payment replaces PIP. Social Security Scotland only asks you to a consultation if it is the only way to get the information it needs.
• Northern Ireland: PIP assessments are carried out by Capita PIP Northern Ireland for the Department for Communities.

Related guides

• How do PIP points work?
• How do I appeal a PIP decision?
• How do I challenge a benefit decision?
• How do I apply for PIP?
• Can I get PIP for mental health?

Where this comes from

• PIP: after you've applied (GOV.UK)
• PIP assessment guide part 1: the assessment process (DWP)
• PIP assessment guide part 2: the assessment criteria (DWP)
• What to expect at your PIP assessment, easy read (DWP)
• PIP Regulations 2013: daily living points and mobility points
• Adult Disability Payment consultations (mygov.scot)
• Personal Independence Payment (nidirect)