Introduction to Filling in Your PIP Claim Form
Filling in your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim form is a crucial step in applying for financial support if you have a long-term health condition or disability. The claim form is your opportunity to explain how your condition affects your daily life and mobility. It asks detailed questions about your ability to carry out everyday activities, such as preparing food, washing, dressing, and moving around. The information you provide will be used to decide whether you are eligible for PIP and, if so, how much support you should receive.
Anyone aged 16 or over who finds it difficult to do certain everyday tasks or get around because of a physical or mental health condition should consider filling in the PIP claim form. It’s important to be honest and thorough, making sure you describe any challenges you face, even if they vary from day to day. The way you fill in the form can have a significant impact on the outcome of your application. Missing details or underestimating your difficulties could mean you do not receive the support you need.
Filling out the claim form correctly is just one part of the PIP application process. After you return your form, your answers will be reviewed and you may be invited to a medical assessment. The decision about your claim will be based on all the information you provide, so taking care at this stage is essential.
If you’re new to PIP or want to understand more about who can claim and what it covers, visit our Personal Independence Payment (PIP) page for an overview of eligibility and the purpose of the benefit. For official step-by-step instructions on how to start your claim, including how to request the form and where to send it, see Personal Independence Payment (PIP): How to claim – GOV.UK.
Taking time to fill in your PIP claim form accurately gives you the best chance of getting the right support. In the following sections, we’ll guide you through each part of the form and offer practical tips to help you explain your needs clearly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Claim Form
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Claim Form
Completing your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim form can feel overwhelming, but taking it one step at a time makes the process much more manageable. Here’s how to fill in your form accurately and give yourself the best chance of a successful claim.
1. Starting the Form and Providing Personal Details
Begin by carefully entering your personal information at the top of the form. This includes your full name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number. Double-check that all these details are correct – mistakes here can cause delays.
You’ll also need to provide contact details for your GP or any other healthcare professionals who know about your condition. Make sure this information is up to date, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may contact them for supporting evidence.
For official guidance on how to get started, including what to do if you need a replacement form, visit the PIP Claim Form page on GOV.UK.
2. Describing Your Health Condition or Disability
In the section about your health condition or disability, be as clear and honest as possible. List all your physical and mental health conditions, when they started, and how they affect you. Use your own words – don’t worry about medical jargon.
If your condition changes from day to day, explain what a “bad day” looks like compared to a “good day.” This helps the assessor understand the full impact on your life. For example, if you have anxiety, you might describe how it affects your ability to leave the house or interact with others – see our detailed advice on claiming PIP for anxiety.
If you have a learning disability, you may need to explain how it affects your understanding, memory, or ability to communicate. Our page on claiming PIP for a learning disability offers tailored guidance for this.
3. Detailing Your Daily Living Needs
This part of the form asks about tasks you do every day, such as:
Preparing and eating food
Washing and bathing
Dressing and undressing
Managing treatments or taking medication
Communicating with others
Reading and understanding information
Managing money
For each activity, describe what help you need, how often you need it, and why. Be specific – mention if you need reminders, physical help, or supervision to stay safe. For example, if you need someone to remind you to take your medication or help you prepare a meal, write this down.
If you find some tasks too difficult or painful, explain why. Don’t just focus on what you can do on your best days – describe your needs on an average or worst day, as this is what the DWP will consider.
4. Detailing Your Mobility Needs
The form will also ask about getting around, both inside and outside your home. This section covers:
Moving around indoors (such as walking from one room to another)
Going outdoors and planning a journey
Using public transport
Navigating unfamiliar places
Explain any difficulties you have with walking, using mobility aids, or needing someone to accompany you. For example, if you can only walk a short distance before needing to stop, or if anxiety prevents you from going out alone, provide details. Again, describe your needs on a typical day – not just your best days.
5. Being Thorough and Accurate
Take your time to answer every question, even if it feels repetitive. Missing information can delay your claim or lead to mistakes. Give as much detail as possible, and don’t assume the assessor knows about your condition or how it affects you.
It’s helpful to keep a diary for a week or two before filling in the form, noting down how your condition affects you each day. This can jog your memory and help you give accurate examples.
6. Gathering Supporting Evidence
Including supporting evidence with your claim can make a big difference. Useful evidence might include:
Medical reports or letters from your GP, consultant, or specialist nurse
Prescription lists
Care plans or social services assessments
Letters from carers, family members, or support workers describing the help you need
Attach copies of any evidence you have – don’t send originals. If you’re waiting for medical reports, mention this on the form and send them as soon as you receive them.
If you need more information about the official process or help with the form, check the PIP Claim Form guidance on GOV.UK. This resource includes contact details for the PIP helpline if you get stuck.
Taking care to fill out your claim form clearly and honestly gives you the best chance of a fair decision. If you have a specific condition, such as a learning disability or anxiety, explore our dedicated guides for further support on claiming PIP for a learning disability or claiming PIP for anxiety.
Providing Your Personal Details
Providing Your Personal Details
When filling in your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim form, the first section will ask for your personal details. This information is essential for identifying you, contacting you about your claim, and ensuring your application is processed correctly.
What Information to Include
You will need to provide:
Full name: Make sure you write your name exactly as it appears on official documents, such as your passport or driving licence.
Address: Include your current address, including the postcode. If you have recently moved, mention your previous address if asked, so there is no confusion about your identity or medical records.
Date of birth: This helps confirm your eligibility for PIP, as age limits apply.
National Insurance number: This unique number links your application to your records and benefits history.
Contact details: Provide your phone number and, if possible, an email address. This allows the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to get in touch quickly if they need more information or to arrange an assessment.
Preferred contact method: Let them know how you would like to be contacted, such as by phone, letter, or email.
If you have a representative, appointee, or someone who helps you manage your affairs, you may also be asked for their details.
Why Accuracy Matters
It is vital to double-check all the information you provide. Even small mistakes – like a misspelt name or incorrect postcode – can delay your claim or cause confusion. If the DWP cannot contact you or verify your identity, they may pause or even close your application.
If your details change after you submit your claim (for example, if you move house or change phone number), inform the DWP as soon as possible to avoid missing important updates about your claim.
How Your Information Is Used
The information you provide will be used to process your claim and determine your eligibility for PIP. The DWP is required by law to handle your personal data securely and fairly. Your details will only be shared with those involved in assessing your claim or providing support.
You have rights under the Data Protection Act 2018 regarding how your personal information is collected, stored, and used. This law ensures your privacy is respected and gives you the right to access your data or correct mistakes. For more about your rights and how your information is protected, see the official guidance on the Data Protection Act 2018.
Taking care to fill in your personal details accurately will help your PIP claim go smoothly. For further help with the form, you may wish to explore our guides on completing the daily living and mobility sections, or learn more about what to expect during a PIP medical assessment.
Describing Your Health Condition or Disability
Describing Your Health Condition or Disability
When filling in your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim form, it’s important to clearly describe your health condition or disability and how it affects you in your daily life. This section of the form is your opportunity to explain your situation in your own words. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uses this information, along with other evidence, to decide if you qualify for PIP and at what rate.
Be Clear and Honest
Start by stating your main health condition or disability, including any diagnosis you have received from a doctor or specialist. If you have more than one condition, list them all, and explain which one affects you the most. Use simple, straightforward language – there’s no need for medical jargon. The person reading your form may not be a medical expert, so aim to make your explanation easy to understand.
For example, instead of saying “I have fibromyalgia,” you could write:
“I have fibromyalgia, which causes me constant pain and extreme tiredness. Some days, I struggle to get out of bed or move around my home.”
Describe How Your Condition Affects You
The law requires the DWP to consider how your condition affects your ability to carry out specific daily activities and get around (The Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013). Don’t just list your symptoms – describe the impact they have on your life. Think about:
What you can and cannot do on a typical day
How often you have difficulties (for example, every day, or just on bad days)
Whether you need help from another person, or use aids or adaptations
If your condition varies, describe your worst days as well as your better days
For example:
“Because of my arthritis, I cannot grip objects firmly. I need help with dressing, as I struggle to do up buttons or zips. On most days, I find it too painful to cook a meal without assistance.”
Be Specific About Your Limitations
Be honest about what you find difficult, even if it feels uncomfortable to admit. The DWP needs a clear picture of your limitations to make a fair decision. If you sometimes push yourself to do things but it causes pain, fatigue, or distress, make sure to mention this. According to PIP guidance, you should be able to do activities safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and within a reasonable time – not just once or with difficulty.
For example:
“I can walk short distances, but after about 50 metres I have to stop and rest because of severe breathlessness. If I try to walk further, I am in pain for the rest of the day.”
Common Questions
Do I need to provide medical evidence here?
You don’t need to attach medical evidence in this section, but mentioning any diagnoses, treatments, or hospital visits can help. You will have the chance to provide supporting documents later in the process.
Should I include mental health conditions?
Yes. If you have mental health difficulties, such as anxiety or depression, explain how these affect your daily life and ability to get around, just as you would with physical conditions.
What if my condition changes from day to day?
Describe how often your condition affects you and what your worst days are like. The DWP considers how you are affected for the majority of days (more than half the time).
Taking the time to explain your condition thoroughly and honestly will help ensure your claim is assessed fairly. Remember, the goal is to give the DWP a clear understanding of your daily challenges and the support you need.
Detailing Your Daily Living Needs
When completing your PIP claim form, it’s important to give a clear and honest account of the difficulties you experience with everyday tasks. The decision makers rely on your descriptions to understand how your health condition or disability affects your daily life, so the more detail you provide, the better.
The daily living section of the form covers activities such as preparing and cooking food, eating and drinking, managing medication or therapy, washing and bathing, dressing and undressing, communicating, reading, engaging with other people, and making decisions about money. You’ll need to explain not just whether you can do these tasks, but how you do them, how long they take, if you need help, or if you avoid them altogether because of your condition.
For each activity, describe:
What you can and cannot do: For example, you might be able to prepare a simple meal but only if someone helps you chop ingredients or reminds you to turn off the hob.
How your condition affects you: If pain, fatigue, anxiety, or confusion make tasks difficult or unsafe, explain this in detail.
How often you have problems: Is it every day, or does it vary? Be honest about bad days as well as better ones.
Any aids or support you use: Mention if you need equipment (like a perching stool for the kitchen) or help from another person.
Giving real-life examples can make your answers clearer. For instance, instead of just saying “I need help dressing,” you could write, “I can’t fasten buttons or zips because of my arthritis, so my partner helps me put on shirts and coats every morning.” If you have mental health conditions, such as anxiety, describe how this impacts your ability to carry out tasks – perhaps you avoid using the oven because you worry about leaving it on, or you need someone to remind you to take medication. You can find more guidance and an example of how to explain this on our page about claiming PIP for anxiety.
It’s also helpful to refer to the Daily Living Component of PIP, which outlines exactly what the assessment covers – such as preparing food and drink, managing medication, washing, dressing, using the toilet, and making financial decisions. This resource can help you check that you’ve covered all the relevant areas on your form.
Remember, the law requires that decision makers consider whether you can do each activity:
Safely (without risk of harm)
To an acceptable standard
Repeatedly (as often as needed)
Within a reasonable time (no more than twice as long as someone without your condition)
If you struggle with any of these, make sure to explain why. For example, if fatigue means you can only cook a meal once a week, or you need breaks when washing, include these details.
Taking time to give clear, detailed answers and examples will help ensure your claim is assessed fairly and accurately.
Detailing Your Mobility Needs
Detailing Your Mobility Needs
When filling in the mobility section of your PIP claim form, it’s important to explain clearly how your condition affects your ability to get around. The mobility component of PIP looks at two main areas: moving around physically and planning or following journeys.
Moving Around
Describe any difficulties you have with walking or moving from place to place. Be specific about:
How far you can walk without stopping or experiencing severe discomfort. For example, can you walk more than 20 metres before you need to rest, or do you struggle with even shorter distances?
Whether you need help or aids such as walking sticks, crutches, a wheelchair, or support from another person.
How long it takes you to move short distances, and whether you experience pain, breathlessness, dizziness, or loss of balance.
Example:
“I can only walk about 15 metres before my legs become weak and I need to sit down. I use a walking stick, but even then, I have to stop frequently because of joint pain. On bad days, I need someone to support me when I go outside.”
Planning and Following Journeys
This part is about your ability to plan and make journeys, whether on foot or using public transport. Consider the following:
Can you plan a route to a familiar or unfamiliar place on your own, or do you need someone to help you?
Do you have difficulties understanding directions or remembering routes?
Are you able to use public transport safely and confidently, or do you avoid it because of anxiety, sensory issues, or risk of getting lost?
Do you need prompting, supervision, or assistance to make journeys?
Example:
“I find it very stressful to travel alone, even to familiar places. I get confused easily and worry about missing my stop on the bus. I need my partner to come with me, otherwise I might get lost.”
Tips for Completing This Section
Be honest and detailed. Don’t downplay your difficulties, even if you feel embarrassed. The more information you provide, the clearer your needs will be.
Give real-life examples of how your mobility problems affect daily life. For instance, explain if you avoid leaving home because of mobility issues, or if you rely on lifts from friends or family.
Mention any risks or accidents you’ve had, such as falls or getting lost, and how you try to manage these risks.
Understanding the Criteria
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uses set criteria to assess your mobility needs. Points are awarded based on what you can and cannot do safely, repeatedly, and within a reasonable time. You can find more detailed guidance on the Mobility Component of PIP in the official PIP handbook.
If you’re unsure about how to describe your needs or what information to include, reviewing the PIP handbook can help you understand what assessors are looking for and how to present your situation clearly.
Gathering Supporting Evidence
Gathering Supporting Evidence
When filling in your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim form, it’s essential to include supporting evidence to help show how your condition affects your daily life and mobility. The right evidence can make a real difference in how your claim is assessed.
What Types of Evidence Should You Include?
You should gather documents that clearly show the impact of your illness or disability. Useful types of evidence include:
Medical reports or letters from your GP, consultant, nurse, or other healthcare professionals. These should describe your diagnosis, ongoing symptoms, and how your condition affects your daily activities.
Care or support plans from social services or care agencies, if you receive help at home.
Prescription lists showing regular medication, especially if you take several medicines to manage your condition.
Letters from specialists such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or mental health professionals, outlining the support you need.
Hospital discharge summaries or appointment letters that show recent treatments or ongoing investigations.
Statements from people who help you – for example, a family member, carer, or friend – explaining the help you need and how your condition affects you day-to-day.
You don’t need to pay for new medical evidence, but it can be helpful to ask your GP or specialist for a summary letter if you don’t already have recent information. For more on what counts as useful medical evidence and tips on gathering it, see Medical Evidence from Citizens Advice.
Why Is Evidence Important?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uses the information you provide to decide if you meet the legal criteria for PIP, which are set out in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and related regulations. Evidence helps show:
The nature of your condition and how long you’ve had it.
The specific ways your daily living or mobility are affected.
Any help or support you need, even if you aren’t currently receiving it.
Without supporting evidence, the DWP may rely only on your answers in the form and the results of a medical assessment. This can make it harder to get the right outcome, especially if your condition isn’t always visible or easy to explain.
Practical Tips
Collect evidence early: Start gathering documents as soon as you receive your claim form to avoid delays.
Send copies, not originals: Keep the originals for your records and send photocopies with your claim.
Be specific: Make sure your evidence matches the information you provide on the form. For example, if you say you need help preparing meals, a letter from your GP confirming this can be very helpful.
Organise your documents: Label each piece of evidence clearly and refer to it in your claim form where relevant.
Taking time to gather and include strong supporting evidence can help ensure your PIP application is assessed fairly. If you’re unsure what to include, review the guidance from Medical Evidence for further advice.
What to Do After Filling in Your Claim Form
After you’ve finished filling in your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim form, it’s important to take a few careful steps before sending it off. This helps prevent mistakes that could delay your application or affect your eligibility.
Review Your Claim Form
Before submitting, read through your entire form to check for:
Missing information: Make sure every question is answered. If a section doesn’t apply to you, write “not applicable” rather than leaving it blank.
Accuracy: Double-check details like your name, address, National Insurance number, and contact information.
Supporting evidence: If you’re including documents such as medical reports or letters from healthcare professionals, ensure they are clearly labelled and securely attached.
Clear explanations: For questions about your daily living and mobility needs, provide as much detail as possible. Use examples from your day-to-day life to explain how your condition affects you.
Taking the time to review your form can help avoid delays and make sure your circumstances are fully understood.
Submitting Your Completed Claim Form
Once you’re confident your form is complete and accurate, you’ll need to submit it by the deadline given in your PIP information pack. For step-by-step instructions on how to send your claim form – whether by post or another method – visit our guide on submitting your PIP application.
Remember to keep a copy of your completed form and any supporting documents for your records. If you’re posting your form, consider using recorded delivery so you have proof it was sent.
What Happens Next: The PIP Application Process
After your claim form has been received, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will review the information you’ve provided. In most cases, you’ll be invited to attend a medical assessment. This is a standard part of the process and helps the DWP understand how your health condition or disability affects your daily life and mobility.
To learn more about what to expect, see our page on PIP medical assessments.
Preparing for the Next Steps
It’s a good idea to start preparing for your assessment as soon as you’ve submitted your form. Gather any extra evidence you may want to bring, such as updated medical letters or a diary of your daily challenges. For practical tips on how to get ready and what you might need to bring with you – such as travel expenses forms and supporting documents – read the guidance on Preparing for your PIP assessment – Citizens Advice.
If you have questions about the next stages, or if you need help because your situation changes after you’ve submitted your form, you can contact the DWP using the details provided in your claim pack.
Taking these steps can help your PIP application progress smoothly and ensure you’re ready for what comes next. For more detailed information about each stage of the process, explore our related guides.
Additional Considerations When Filling Your Claim Form
When completing your PIP claim form, there are a few extra factors to keep in mind that can make a real difference to your application and your day-to-day life.
How PIP Interacts with Other Benefits
PIP is designed to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability, and it is not means-tested. This means you can claim PIP whether you are working or not, and it does not affect most of your other benefits. However, it can have an impact on the amount you receive from certain benefits, or make you eligible for additional support.
For example, getting PIP may entitle you to higher rates of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, or other support. If you are already receiving Universal Credit, it’s important to understand how your PIP claim could affect your payments or entitlements. For a clearer picture, see our guide on how PIP interacts with other benefits and visit the Universal Credit – Citizens Advice page for practical information on Universal Credit and disability.
Advice for People Needing Workplace Accommodations
If you are working or planning to return to work, your health condition or disability may mean you need changes or support in your workplace. UK law gives you the right to request reasonable adjustments from your employer. This could include changes to your working hours, special equipment, or support from colleagues. If you’re unsure about your rights or how to start the conversation with your employer, our guide to workplace accommodations explains what you can ask for and how to go about it.
Where to Get Help Filling In the Form
The PIP claim form can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with health issues. You don’t have to do it alone. If you need help understanding the questions or describing your daily living and mobility needs, you can:
Ask a friend, family member, or carer to help you write your answers.
Contact local advice services or charities that support people with disabilities.
Speak to your local Citizens Advice office, which offers confidential and impartial guidance.
If you receive support from a social worker, occupational therapist, or healthcare professional, they may also be able to help explain your needs clearly on the form.
Remember, it’s important to be honest and detailed about how your condition affects you day to day. Providing examples and being specific can help the assessor understand your situation fully.
For more support with your PIP application, explore our related guides on the full PIP application process, preparing for your medical assessment, and condition-specific advice.
