The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK provides many types of financial support for people who are struggling with daily living costs, health issues, or disabilities. One of the most helpful forms of support is the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which can give you £92 a week or more, depending on your condition.
If you or someone in your family has a long-term illness, mental health condition, or disability, you might be able to claim this money regularly. Let’s break it down in a simple way so you can check if you qualify and learn how to apply.
What is PIP?
PIP (Personal Independence Payment) is a benefit given to people who need help with everyday activities or getting around because of a long-term physical or mental condition.
This benefit is not based on your income, savings, or whether you are working. Even if you have a job, you can still receive PIP. What matters is how your condition affects your daily life and mobility.
How Much Can You Get?
PIP is made up of two parts:
- Daily Living Part – for people who need help with everyday tasks like washing, cooking, dressing, or managing money.
- Mobility Part – for people who have trouble moving around or need support when going out.
Each part has two rates:
| Part | Standard Rate (Per Week) | Enhanced Rate (Per Week) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £72.65 | £108.55 |
| Mobility | £28.70 | £75.75 |
You could get up to £184.30 per week if you qualify for both parts at the enhanced rate.
Even if you qualify for just the standard daily living part, that’s £72.65 a week, which adds up to over £290 a month – a big help with daily expenses.
Who Can Apply?
To get PIP, you must:
- Be 16 or older and under State Pension age.
- Have a health condition or disability that affects your daily life or mobility.
- Have had these difficulties for at least 3 months, and expect them to last at least 9 more months (unless you’re terminally ill).
- Be living in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland when you apply.
If you’re already getting Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you may be asked to switch to PIP instead.
What Conditions Are Covered?
Many physical and mental health conditions may qualify for PIP. Some examples include:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes complications
- Anxiety, Depression
- Autism, ADHD
- Chronic pain
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Heart problems
- Parkinson’s, Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Learning difficulties
You don’t need to have a specific diagnosis. The key is how your condition affects your ability to do things like prepare food, take care of yourself, communicate, or move around.
How to Apply for PIP
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Call the DWP to start your claim – You’ll need your National Insurance number, bank details, and GP information.
- Fill in the ‘How your disability affects you’ form – This is where you explain how your condition affects your daily life.
- Go for an assessment – You may be asked to attend a face-to-face, phone, or video interview with a health professional.
- Wait for a decision – The DWP will review your case and send a letter with their decision.
If you’re not happy with the result, you can ask for a review or appeal.
Why You Should Check If You’re Eligible
Many people don’t apply for PIP because they assume they won’t qualify. But even hidden conditions like anxiety or fatigue from long COVID may make you eligible.
Thousands of people miss out on this support simply because they don’t know about it or are too afraid to try. If you or someone close to you is struggling with a long-term health issue, checking eligibility is worth it.
You could be missing out on £92 or more each week, which can go a long way in covering essentials like food, travel, heating, or personal care.
Other Benefits You May Get with PIP
Getting PIP can also open the door to other benefits, like:
- Blue Badge for parking
- Council Tax discounts
- Help with housing costs
- Carer’s Allowance (if someone looks after you)
- Motability Scheme – lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair
So even if the weekly money doesn’t seem like a lot, the extra help it brings can really add up.
Final Thoughts
DWP’s PIP support is designed to make life easier for those who face daily challenges due to their health. Whether it’s for yourself or someone you care for, it only takes a few steps to check eligibility—and the benefit can be life-changing.