Who can get PIP?

The main conditions

To get PIP you must meet all of these:

1. Age: you are 16 or over.
2. Condition: you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
3. Effect: it makes it hard to do everyday tasks, or to get around.
4. How long: you expect the difficulties to last at least 12 months from when they started.
5. Pension age: you are under State Pension age when you make a new claim.
6. Where you live: you live in England or Wales when you apply.
7. Residence: you have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years (this matters most if you have been abroad).
8. Immigration: you normally live in, or intend to settle in, the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, and you are not subject to immigration control.

What does not matter

• Your diagnosis. There is no list of qualifying conditions. PIP looks at how your condition affects you.
• Your income or savings. PIP is not means-tested.
• Work. You can get PIP while working.
• Other benefits. You can get PIP alongside most other benefits.

Who cannot get PIP

• People over State Pension age making a new claim, unless they had PIP or Adult Disability Payment in the last 12 months.
• People getting Armed Forces Independence Payment.
• People subject to immigration control, with some exceptions (such as some sponsored immigrants and refugees).
• Children under 16.

Special cases

Nearing the end of life. If a doctor or healthcare professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live, you can claim under special rules. You will not need a face-to-face assessment. You automatically get the higher daily living rate of £114.60 a week in 2026/27, and may get the mobility part too.

Over State Pension age. If you got PIP or Adult Disability Payment (for example, before moving from Scotland) in the last 12 months, you may still be able to claim.

How DWP checks if you qualify

Meeting the conditions above means you can claim. Whether you are paid depends on points. DWP scores 12 everyday activities. You need at least 8 points for the standard rate of a part, and 12 points for the enhanced rate. You may have an assessment with a health professional before DWP decides.

How to check before you claim

• Read the PIP eligibility page on GOV.UK.
• Think about each of the 12 activities and how your condition affects you on most days.
• Get free advice from Citizens Advice if you are unsure.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

• Wales: the same rules apply as in England.
• Scotland: you cannot make a new PIP claim. Apply for Adult Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland. Your income and savings are not taken into account.
• Northern Ireland: PIP is run separately by the Department for Communities, so check nidirect.

Related guides

• How do I apply for PIP?
• How much is PIP?
• Is there a list of conditions that qualify for PIP?
• What is PIP (Personal Independence Payment)?
• Can I work and claim PIP?
• How does PIP work in Northern Ireland?

Where this comes from

• PIP: eligibility (GOV.UK)
• Personal Independence Payment (GOV.UK)
• Claiming PIP if you're nearing the end of life (GOV.UK)
• PIP Regulations 2013: daily living points and mobility points
• Adult Disability Payment (mygov.scot)
• Personal Independence Payment (nidirect)