Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Whether or not you are entitled to PIP is based on what help you need with very specific things  because of your illness or disability, and any treatment. 

The application process is tricky and lots of people who should get the benefit find they are turned down to start with or given a lower award. If this happens to you, ask for a mandatory reconsideration. All unfair decisions should be challenged.

If they don’t change the decision at the first stage, you can ask for an appeal.

90% of people who use our help to ask for a mandatory reconsideration and/or appeal successfully get the decision changed. It is worth the effort! 

This information applies in England, Wales, and Scotland. It will also be helpful for claimants in Northern Ireland where the rules are the same but the relevant government departments and forms are different.

Last updated: March 2024

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I want to apply for PIP

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PIP activities, descriptors and points
Understand how PIP works and what you will need to show so that you get the right amount of benefit if you have a health condition or disability.
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How to fill in the PIP form
This video guide explains what you need to know about PIP and how to fill in the form.
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I disagree with the PIP decision

Ask for a PIP mandatory reconsideration
Our self-help tool makes it easier to challenge an unfair decision about your PIP effectively.
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Challenging a PIP decision - what you need to know
Everything you need to know about mandatory reconsiderations and how long it will take.
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What should I do?
Get guidance on what you should do - whether you got 0 points, a low award, or an award of just mobility or care.

I want to appeal a PIP decision

(I have a mandatory reconsideration decision)

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How to appeal a PIP decision
What you need to do to ask for an appeal and increase your chances of having the decision changed before the hearing
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How to prepare for the PIP appeal hearing
Help to get good evidence that shows why you are entitled to a higher award
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PIP appeal process
What to expect and when.

I am going to a PIP appeal hearing

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PIP tribunal hearings
Everything you need to know about what will happen at the hearing, what to do on the day, and when you will get the decision.
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How to write a statement for your PIP tribunal
Make your tribunal less stressful by writing a statement setting out your case, so you don't have to remember what to say on the day
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Friend or family?
What you can do to help at a PIP appeal hearing

I want to learn about the PIP points system

Information
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) activities, descriptors and points
Understand how the PIP points system works and what you will need to show so that you get the right amount of benefit.

I want to find an adviser

Information
How to find an adviser to help with your disability benefits
It is now much harder to find advice and help with your benefits than it used to be. But here we explain where to start.

Appeal a PIP decision - printed guide

Receive a high-quality printed guide that includes all of our advice on how to successfully challenge and appeal a PIP decision straight to your door. Printed and dispatched within 2 working days and posted 2nd class. 

Appeal a PIP decision

Related tools

These tools will help you write letters on the following issues

Personal Independence Payment tool
PIP Mandatory Reconsideration Request letter tool

These tools will help you write letters on the following issues These tools will help you write letters on the following issues

Can't find what you are looking for?

Getting free one-to-one advice about benefits is hard. All advice services are extremely busy. We are here  to help everyone who cannot get in at an advice service and cannot afford to pay for legal help.


We give you the knowledge, confidence, and skills you need to deal with the issue yourself, or with the help of friends or family.  If you need more help than you can get from our advice guides and self-help tools, we explain how to try to find advice.

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