Understanding Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed to help people in the UK who live with long-term health conditions or disabilities. It is available to individuals aged 16 to State Pension age who need extra support with daily living tasks or getting around because of their condition. If you have diabetes and it affects your ability to manage everyday activities or your mobility, you may be eligible to claim PIP.
PIP is intended to help with the extra costs that can arise from living with a health condition or disability. Unlike some other benefits, PIP is not means-tested, so your income or savings do not affect your eligibility. The focus is on how your condition impacts your daily life and independence.
PIP is made up of two separate components:
Daily Living Component: This is for people who need help with everyday activities, such as preparing food, managing medication, washing, dressing, or communicating. For people with diabetes, this might include difficulties with blood sugar monitoring, insulin management, or dealing with complications that affect your ability to look after yourself.
Mobility Component: This supports those who have difficulty getting around. Diabetes can sometimes cause problems such as neuropathy or vision issues, which may make it harder to walk or travel independently.
Each component can be paid at either a standard or enhanced rate, depending on how your condition affects you. You can receive one or both components, depending on your needs.
PIP is especially relevant for people with diabetes because the condition can affect many aspects of daily life. Some people may need help with tasks like meal planning, remembering to take medication, or managing the risk of hypoglycaemia. Others may experience complications that impact their ability to move around safely.
If you’re new to PIP or want a detailed explanation of how it works, you can read the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) overview for a comprehensive introduction. For further guidance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) by Disability Rights UK also provides clear information about eligibility, assessment, and the support available.
If you are currently receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA), it’s important to know that many people are being asked to move from DLA to PIP. To understand more about this transition and what it means for you, see Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Understanding how PIP works and how it relates to diabetes is the first step to getting the support you need. In the following sections, we’ll explain the eligibility criteria, how to gather evidence, and guide you through the claims process.
How Diabetes Can Affect Your Daily Life and Mobility
Living with diabetes can affect many aspects of daily life, especially when it comes to managing your health and maintaining your independence. When applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), it’s important to explain how your diabetes impacts your ability to carry out everyday activities and move around safely.
Common Challenges Faced by People with Diabetes
Managing diabetes often involves a strict daily routine. This can include:
Monitoring blood sugar levels: You may need to check your blood glucose several times a day, which can be difficult if you have problems with vision, dexterity, or concentration.
Taking medication or insulin: Some people require injections or medication at set times, which can be challenging if you have physical limitations or memory problems.
Meal planning and eating: Keeping blood sugar stable may require careful planning and regular meals, which can be hard if you experience fatigue or struggle with preparing food.
Recognising and treating hypos or hypers: Low (hypoglycaemia) or high (hyperglycaemia) blood sugar episodes can affect your awareness, judgement, and ability to respond quickly.
How Diabetes Symptoms and Complications Affect Daily Tasks and Mobility
Diabetes can lead to a range of symptoms and complications that make everyday activities harder. For example:
Fatigue and weakness: You may feel tired much of the time, making it harder to get dressed, bathe, or move around your home.
Nerve damage (neuropathy): This can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your hands and feet, affecting your grip and balance.
Vision problems: Diabetes can lead to sight loss, making it difficult to read labels, measure medication, or navigate safely.
Foot problems and ulcers: These can make walking painful or risky, increasing the chance of falls.
Mental health impacts: Managing a long-term condition like diabetes can lead to anxiety or depression, which may affect your motivation and ability to manage daily life.
Examples of Difficulties That Might Qualify for PIP Points
The PIP assessment looks at how your condition affects your ability to perform specific activities. Examples of difficulties that could score points include:
Needing help to monitor blood sugar or take medication: If you need someone to remind you, supervise you, or physically help you.
Problems preparing or eating food: If you struggle to cook safely, cut up food, or need prompting to eat regularly.
Difficulty managing personal care: Such as washing, dressing, or managing toilet needs due to fatigue, pain, or reduced mobility.
Trouble moving around: If you can’t walk safely without support, or get breathless or tired after a short distance.
Safety risks: If you’re at risk of falls, confusion during hypos, or accidents due to poor vision or neuropathy.
For more detailed examples and to see how diabetes and other conditions are assessed for PIP, you can refer to the PIP health condition guides.
When completing your PIP claim, it’s important to give specific examples of how diabetes affects you, how often you experience these difficulties, and what help you need. The more detail you provide, the better your chances of a successful claim.
Eligibility Criteria for Claiming PIP with Diabetes
To claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with diabetes, you must meet certain eligibility criteria set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Understanding these requirements is key to making a successful claim.
General Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for PIP, you must:
Be aged 16 or over and under State Pension age when you start your claim.
Live in England, Scotland, or Wales and have been present in Great Britain for at least 2 of the last 3 years (with some exceptions).
Have a long-term health condition or disability – in this case, diabetes – that has affected your daily living or mobility for at least 3 months and is expected to continue for at least 9 months.
PIP is not means-tested, so your income, savings, or employment status do not affect your eligibility.
How Diabetes Is Assessed Under PIP
PIP is awarded based on how your condition affects your ability to carry out specific daily living and mobility activities, rather than the diagnosis itself. The DWP uses a points-based system to assess your ability to manage:
Daily living activities such as preparing food, managing medication, monitoring your health, washing, dressing, and communicating.
Mobility activities such as planning and following journeys, or moving around safely.
For people with diabetes, the assessment focuses on how your symptoms and treatment – such as insulin management, hypoglycaemia risk, or complications like neuropathy – impact your ability to perform these tasks. For example, if you need help to monitor your blood sugar levels, manage your medication, or if you experience severe hypos that affect your safety, this should be clearly explained in your application.
For a detailed breakdown of the assessment process and what the DWP looks for, you can review the PIP Assessment Criteria provided by Turn2us.
Demonstrating How Diabetes Affects Your Everyday Life
The most important part of your PIP claim is showing how diabetes affects your ability to carry out everyday activities and move around safely. When completing your application, you should:
Give specific examples of difficulties you face, such as needing reminders to take insulin, assistance to avoid or recover from hypos, or challenges with walking due to foot problems or fatigue.
Explain the frequency and severity of your symptoms. For instance, if you have unpredictable blood sugar levels that require regular intervention, describe how often this happens and what help you need.
Describe any risks to your safety, such as the risk of falls or accidents due to low blood sugar, or problems with eyesight or sensation in your feet.
The DWP will consider whether you can perform activities safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and within a reasonable time. If you cannot, or need help, you may score points towards an award.
For further information on how diabetes may impact your eligibility for PIP, and how to present this in your application, see the Health Condition Impact guide from Diabetes.co.uk.
Understanding these criteria and providing detailed, honest information about your daily challenges will give you the best chance of a successful PIP claim for diabetes. If you need more guidance, exploring the resources linked above can help you prepare for each stage of the process.
Gathering Evidence to Support Your PIP Claim
Gathering strong evidence is a crucial part of making a successful Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim for diabetes. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) makes decisions based on how your condition affects your daily living and mobility, not just on your diagnosis. Below, we explain what evidence you should provide, how to describe your situation, and how to address any complications related to diabetes.
Types of Evidence You Need
The DWP expects to see clear, up-to-date evidence that shows how diabetes impacts your life. Useful evidence includes:
Medical Reports: Ask your GP, diabetes specialist nurse, or consultant for a letter or report. This should detail your diagnosis, treatment, and any complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, or hypoglycaemia unawareness.
Hospital Letters: If you have attended hospital appointments or clinics, include copies of any letters that explain your condition, test results, or changes to your treatment.
Prescription Lists: These help show the complexity of your management, especially if you use insulin, multiple medications, or equipment like glucose monitors.
Care Plans: If you have a written care plan for your diabetes management, this can demonstrate the level of support you need.
Personal Statements: You, or someone who knows you well (like a carer or family member), can write a statement describing your daily challenges and the help you require.
Describing the Impact on Daily Living and Mobility
PIP is awarded based on how your health condition affects your ability to carry out specific daily activities and move around. When gathering evidence, focus on the following:
Daily Living: Explain how diabetes affects tasks such as preparing food, eating, taking medication, monitoring your blood sugar, washing, dressing, and managing treatments. For example, if you experience frequent hypoglycaemic episodes that require help from others, make this clear.
Mobility: Describe any difficulties walking, planning journeys, or using public transport. If diabetic complications like neuropathy cause pain, numbness, or balance issues, include details about how far you can walk, whether you need aids, or if you require supervision outdoors.
Be specific. Instead of saying “I get tired,” say “I need to rest after walking 50 metres because my legs become weak due to diabetic neuropathy.”
Including Evidence of Complications
If you have complications from diabetes, such as:
Neuropathy: Provide details from your healthcare team about nerve pain, numbness, or problems with your feet and hands. Explain how this affects your grip, balance, or ability to walk.
Vision Problems: If you have diabetic retinopathy or sight loss, include recent eye clinic letters or reports from an optometrist. Describe how this impacts tasks like reading labels, cooking, or moving around safely.
Hypoglycaemia Unawareness: If you struggle to recognise low blood sugar, include evidence from your diabetes team. Explain the risks and what support you need to manage your condition safely.
Practical Tips for Gathering Evidence
Keep a Symptom Diary: Record episodes of low or high blood sugar, falls, or times you needed help. This can strengthen your claim.
Be Honest and Detailed: Don’t downplay your difficulties. Describe your “bad days” as well as your “good days.”
Ask for Support: If you find it hard to describe your needs, ask a healthcare professional or someone who helps you to write a supporting letter.
Relevant Legal Guidance
PIP assessments are based on the criteria set out in the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013. The DWP will consider the reliability criteria: whether you can complete tasks safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and within a reasonable time. Make sure your evidence addresses these points wherever possible.
By collecting thorough, relevant evidence, you give yourself the best chance of a successful PIP claim for diabetes.
The PIP Claim Process for Diabetes
The PIP Claim Process for Diabetes
If you have diabetes and your condition affects your daily life, you may be eligible to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Understanding the claim process can help you prepare thoroughly and improve your chances of a successful outcome. Below, we explain each step involved, what to expect during your assessment, and what to do if your claim is refused.
Step 1: Starting Your PIP Claim
To begin your claim, you’ll need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The easiest way is by phone, but other options are available if you have difficulties communicating. You’ll be asked for basic information, including your National Insurance number, bank details, and details of your healthcare professionals.
For full instructions and contact details, visit the official PIP Claim Process page on GOV.UK.
Once you’ve registered your claim, DWP will send you a form called ‘How your disability affects you’ (PIP2). This is your opportunity to explain how diabetes impacts your daily activities, such as managing medication, preparing food, or monitoring blood sugar levels.
Step 2: Completing the ‘How Your Disability Affects You’ Form
Be honest and detailed when filling in the PIP2 form. Think about your worst days, and describe the challenges you face with:
Monitoring and managing your blood glucose
Taking insulin or other medication
Preparing and eating meals safely
Recognising and treating low or high blood sugar episodes
Any help you need from others, such as reminders or supervision
Use examples from your daily life to illustrate your needs. You can include supporting evidence, such as letters from your GP, diabetes nurse, or carers.
Step 3: The PIP Assessment
Most applicants will be invited to an assessment, which could be face-to-face, over the phone, or by video call. This is carried out by a health professional who will ask about your condition and how it affects your ability to carry out everyday tasks.
What to expect in the assessment:
Questions about your diabetes management, including how often you check your blood sugar and whether you need help with medication or injections.
Discussion of any complications you experience, like hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), and how you manage them.
Queries about your ability to prepare food, manage personal care, move around, and communicate.
How to prepare:
Review your PIP2 form and make notes about your daily routine and any difficulties you face.
Have a list of your medications and any aids or adaptations you use.
Be ready to explain how diabetes affects you on both good and bad days.
Remember, the assessment is not a medical test, but a way to understand how your condition affects your daily life.
Step 4: After the Assessment
The assessor will write a report and send it to the DWP, who will then make a decision about your claim. You’ll receive a letter telling you whether you’ve been awarded PIP, and at what rate.
Step 5: If Your Claim Is Refused
If your claim is refused or you disagree with the decision, you have the right to challenge it. The first step is to ask for a ‘mandatory reconsideration’, which means the DWP will look at your claim again. You must do this within one month of the decision.
For a step-by-step guide on how to request this, see Mandatory Reconsideration from Citizens Advice.
If you’re still unhappy after the mandatory reconsideration, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
Tip: Keep copies of all forms, evidence, and correspondence. If you need help, consider seeking advice from a local support organisation or Citizens Advice.
By understanding each stage of the PIP claim process and preparing thoroughly, you can give yourself the best chance of securing the support you need to manage your diabetes.
Additional Support and Related Benefits
If you have diabetes, claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is just one way to get support. There are additional benefits and services that may help you manage daily life, cover extra costs, and maintain your independence.
Other Benefits and Support for People with Diabetes
Alongside PIP, people living with diabetes might be eligible for other benefits depending on individual circumstances. These can include Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit, or Attendance Allowance (if you’re over State Pension age). These benefits are designed to help with living costs if your health condition affects your ability to work or carry out daily activities. You may also be entitled to free prescriptions, eye checks, and other NHS services due to your diabetes diagnosis.
How PIP Can Help with Transport Costs
Living with diabetes may require regular medical appointments, or you might need help getting out and about safely. If your PIP award includes the mobility component, you could receive extra financial support to cover travel expenses. Some people use this to pay for taxis to medical appointments or adapt their vehicle for easier access. For more details about the kinds of support available, including travel to hospital or other essential journeys, visit our page on help with transport costs.
Housing Adjustments and Accessible Living
Managing diabetes can sometimes mean you need changes to your home environment – for example, installing a fridge for insulin storage or making your home safer if you experience low blood sugar episodes. PIP can help cover the costs of these adjustments, and you may also qualify for additional support from your local council or housing provider. To learn more about your rights and the types of disability adjustments available for accessible housing, see our dedicated guidance.
Workplace Accommodations for Diabetes
If you’re working with diabetes, it’s important to know that the Equality Act 2010 protects your right to reasonable adjustments at work. This could include flexible working hours, extra breaks to monitor blood sugar, or a private space to take medication. Employers are legally required to consider these adjustments to help you manage your condition and stay in work. For detailed advice on your rights and practical steps you can take, read our guide to workplace accommodations.
By understanding the full range of support available, you can make the most of the help you’re entitled to – whether that’s through PIP, other benefits, or adjustments at home and work. If you’re unsure what you can claim, consider seeking further advice to ensure you get the support you need to manage your diabetes confidently.
Other Health Conditions and PIP Claims You May Be Interested In
If you have diabetes, it’s common to also manage other health conditions that can impact your daily life and eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The PIP claim process is broadly similar for most long-term health conditions and disabilities – what matters most is how your condition affects your ability to carry out everyday activities and move around, rather than the specific diagnosis.
Below, you’ll find guides to claiming PIP for a range of other health conditions. Each guide explains the unique challenges that particular condition may present, what evidence is helpful, and how to approach the claim form and assessment. If you have more than one condition – such as diabetes and arthritis, or diabetes and anxiety – it’s important to consider how all your health issues combine to affect your daily living and mobility. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will look at the overall impact on your life, so exploring these related guides can help you present a fuller picture in your application.
Here are some other conditions with similar PIP claim processes:
Claim PIP for Arthritis – Arthritis can often occur alongside diabetes and may affect your mobility or dexterity.
Claim PIP for Osteoarthritis – This guide focuses on osteoarthritis, a common joint condition that can compound difficulties.
Claim PIP for Heart Disease – Heart disease is sometimes linked to diabetes and can affect energy levels and stamina.
Claim PIP for COPD – Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that can significantly impact daily life.
Claim PIP for Long Covid – Long Covid is a newer condition with symptoms that may overlap with diabetes-related fatigue or cognitive issues.
Claim PIP for Crohn’s Disease and Claim PIP for Ulcerative Colitis – These chronic digestive conditions can have similar effects on daily activities, especially around meal preparation and toileting.
Claim PIP for ME and CFS – Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) often cause severe fatigue, which can also be a symptom in diabetes.
Claim PIP for Fibromyalgia – Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain and fatigue, which may overlap with diabetic neuropathy.
Claim PIP for Stroke – Stroke survivors may face mobility, communication, or cognitive challenges similar to those experienced by some people with diabetes.
Mental health and neurological conditions are also common, either as stand-alone diagnoses or alongside diabetes:
Claim PIP for Anxiety and Claim PIP for Depression – Many people with diabetes experience mental health challenges, which can affect motivation, concentration, and self-care.
Claim PIP for Bipolar Disorder – If you have mood swings or periods of depression and mania, this guide explains how to evidence their impact.
Claim PIP for ADHD and Claim PIP for Autism – These neurodevelopmental conditions can affect organisation, decision-making, and routine management, which may be particularly relevant if you need to manage complex diabetes care.
Claim PIP for Learning Disability – If you have a learning disability, this guide covers the specific considerations for your claim.
Claim PIP for Epilepsy – Epilepsy can affect safety and independence, especially if you experience seizures.
Other guides you may find useful include:
Claim PIP for OCD – Obsessive-compulsive disorder can impact daily routines and self-care.
Claim PIP for Terminal Illness – If you or someone you care for has a terminal diagnosis, there are special rules for claiming PIP quickly and with less paperwork.
Each of these guides provides tailored advice on gathering evidence, completing the claim form, and preparing for the PIP assessment. Exploring them can help you understand how to present your case if you have more than one health condition, or if you want to compare how the eligibility criteria apply to different diagnoses. If you’re unsure which guide best fits your situation, it’s worth reading several to get a complete picture of your options and the support available.
