How does PIP work in Northern Ireland?

What PIP is in Northern Ireland

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability. In Northern Ireland it replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged 16 to State Pension age.

PIP has two parts. You can get one or both.

• Daily living: for help with things like preparing food, washing, dressing and talking to people.
• Mobility: for help planning journeys and moving around.

Who it is for

You may get PIP if all of these apply to you:

• you are 16 or over and under State Pension age
• you have a long-term health condition or disability
• you find everyday tasks or getting around difficult
• you have had these difficulties for at least 3 months, and expect them to last at least another 9 months
• you live in Northern Ireland

How much PIP pays in 2026/27

The rates are the same as PIP in England and Wales. They rose in April 2026.

PIP is tax free and paid every 4 weeks. Your income, savings and whether you work do not affect it.

How to apply

1. Call the PIP Centre new claims line on 0800 012 1573 (Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 012 1573). Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. You can also contact them by post, or by video relay if you use British or Irish Sign Language.
2. Have ready your contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number (if you have one), bank details, your GP or health professional's details, and dates of any time abroad, in hospital or in a care home.
3. You will be sent a form called "How your disability affects you" (PIP2). You have one month to send it back. Ask for more time if you need it.
4. An independent health assessor may then assess you, in person or by phone. Assessments are usually audio recorded, but you can ask for yours not to be.
5. A case manager looks at everything and sends you a decision letter.

If you already get PIP, call 0800 587 0932 instead.

Things to know

• Terminal illness: if you may have less than 12 months to live, you get the enhanced daily living rate without the usual form or assessment.
• If you disagree: ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one calendar month of the date on your decision notice. You can phone, write, or use form MR2(NI). After that, you can appeal to an Independent Appeal Tribunal.
• Free help: the Make the Call service can help you with forms, and Advice NI gives independent advice on PIP.
• Moving within the UK: in England and Wales, PIP is claimed through GOV.UK. In Scotland, you apply for Adult Disability Payment instead.

Related guides

• What is PIP (Personal Independence Payment)?
• How do I apply for PIP?
• How much is PIP?
• What is Adult Disability Payment?
• What happens at a PIP assessment?

Where these figures come from

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP), nidirect
• PIP Centre contact details, Department for Communities
• Benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027, DWP
• PIP in England, Scotland and Wales, GOV.UK