What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed to help people manage extra costs that arise from having a long-term health condition or disability. Unlike some other benefits, PIP is not means-tested – this means your income, savings, or whether you are working do not affect your eligibility. Instead, it focuses on how your condition impacts your daily life and mobility.
Anyone aged 16 to State Pension age who has a health condition or disability that is expected to last at least 12 months can apply for PIP. This includes people living with long COVID, especially if symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, or cognitive difficulties make everyday activities or getting around more challenging.
PIP is made up of two components:
Daily Living Component: This helps with the extra costs of everyday tasks like preparing food, washing, dressing, or communicating.
Mobility Component: This supports those who have difficulty moving around, planning journeys, or leaving the house.
You may qualify for one or both components, depending on how your condition affects you. The amount you receive is based on an assessment of your needs, rather than your diagnosis alone.
Understanding how PIP works is an important first step before making a claim. The benefit is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)](https://www.gov.uk/pip), and the eligibility criteria and assessment process are set out in the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Regulations 2013. For a more detailed overview of the benefit and how it might apply to your situation, visit our guide on [Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
If you are dealing with the long-term effects of COVID-19 and find that your daily life or mobility is affected, PIP could provide valuable support to help you manage the extra challenges you face.
Understanding Long Covid and Its Impact
Long COVID, sometimes called post-COVID syndrome, refers to a range of symptoms that continue for weeks or months after the initial COVID-19 infection has cleared. The NHS defines long COVID as symptoms lasting longer than 12 weeks, although many people experience ongoing effects for much longer. These symptoms can have a significant impact on your daily life and your ability to work or carry out routine activities.
Common Symptoms and Their Effects
Long COVID can affect people in many different ways. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Extreme fatigue: Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest and makes daily activities challenging.
Breathlessness: Difficulty catching your breath, even after light activity or at rest.
Brain fog: Problems with memory, concentration, or mental clarity.
Muscle and joint pain: Ongoing aches and pains that limit movement.
Chest pain, palpitations, and dizziness: These can further limit mobility and independence.
Sleep problems, anxiety, and depression: Mental health symptoms are also common and can make other symptoms worse.
It’s important to remember that the severity and combination of symptoms can be very different from person to person. Some people may experience only one or two symptoms, while others might have a wide range that changes over time.
Fluctuating Symptoms and PIP Assessments
Long COVID symptoms often fluctuate. You might have days when you feel better and others when your symptoms are much worse. When applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), it’s crucial to explain how your symptoms vary and how this affects your ability to manage daily tasks over time. The PIP assessment looks at whether you can carry out activities reliably, safely, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time. If your symptoms prevent you from doing this on most days, you may be eligible for support.
Long COVID as a Disability Under PIP Rules
Under the Equality Act 2010, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. If your long COVID symptoms have lasted (or are expected to last) at least 12 months and significantly impact your daily life, you may be considered disabled for the purposes of claiming PIP. The assessment does not focus on a specific diagnosis, but rather on how your symptoms affect your ability to manage things like preparing food, washing, dressing, communicating, and moving around.
Documenting Your Symptoms
Careful documentation is essential when claiming PIP for long COVID. Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting how they affect your daily life, any changes over time, and how often you experience difficulties. Include examples of specific tasks that are hard or impossible on bad days. Medical evidence from your GP or specialists, as well as any support you receive for your symptoms, can strengthen your claim.
If your long COVID symptoms are similar to those experienced with other conditions like ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), you may find it helpful to read about claiming PIP for ME and CFS for further guidance and support.
Understanding the impact of long COVID is the first step towards getting the help you need. Being thorough and honest about your symptoms will give you the best chance of a successful PIP claim.
Eligibility Criteria for Claiming PIP with Long Covid
To claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for long COVID, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set out by the government. Understanding these requirements is the first step to making a successful claim.
Who Can Apply for PIP?
You may be eligible for PIP if:
You are aged 16 or over and under State Pension age.
You live in England, Wales, or Scotland (with some exceptions for people living abroad).
You have a health condition or disability – in this case, long COVID – that has affected your daily living or mobility for at least three months and is expected to continue for at least nine more months.
PIP is not means-tested, so your income or savings do not affect your eligibility.
How Does PIP Assess Long COVID?
PIP is awarded based on how your health condition impacts your ability to carry out certain daily living and mobility activities, not just on your diagnosis. This means it is not enough to have a diagnosis of long COVID – you must show how your symptoms limit what you can do.
The Points System
PIP uses a points-based system to assess your needs. There are two components:
Daily Living (help with everyday tasks)
Mobility (help with moving around)
For each component, you are asked about specific activities. You score points based on the level of difficulty you have with each task, even if you use aids or get help from someone else. If your total points reach a certain threshold, you may qualify for one or both components of PIP.
Examples of Assessed Activities
Daily Living Activities include:
Preparing and eating food
Washing and bathing
Managing medication or treatment
Communicating verbally
Making decisions about money
Mobility Activities include:
Planning and following journeys
Moving around physically
For example, if long COVID causes you severe fatigue, breathlessness, or "brain fog," you might struggle to cook, manage medication, or walk short distances. You should be ready to explain, with examples, how your symptoms affect you on both good and bad days.
Fluctuating Symptoms and Functional Impact
Long COVID symptoms often vary from day to day. PIP assessments take this into account by looking at how your condition affects you most of the time (at least 50% of the days). It is important to describe how your symptoms fluctuate and the impact this has on your ability to carry out daily tasks and get around.
Remember, PIP is awarded based on the functional impact of your condition, not the diagnosis alone. You will need to provide details about how long COVID affects your daily life and mobility, supported by evidence if possible.
For a full explanation of the legal rules, you can refer to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Regulations 2013, which set out the official criteria and assessment process.
If you want to see how PIP applies to other health conditions or find more detailed guidance, visit our PIP health condition guides.
How Long Covid Symptoms are Assessed for PIP
When you apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) due to long COVID, your symptoms and how they affect your daily life will be carefully assessed. The assessment is designed to understand the real impact your condition has on your ability to carry out everyday activities and move around.
The PIP Assessment Process
After submitting your PIP claim, you’ll usually be invited to attend an assessment. This can be face-to-face, over the phone, or sometimes by video call. An independent health professional will carry out the assessment. Their role is to gather a clear picture of how long COVID affects you, rather than to diagnose your condition.
During the assessment, you’ll be asked about:
The symptoms you experience (such as fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog, or pain)
How these symptoms affect your ability to manage daily tasks (like washing, dressing, preparing food, or moving around)
Whether your symptoms fluctuate and how often you have “good” and “bad” days
For more details on how the assessment works, you can visit the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment page.
What Assessors Look For With Long COVID
Assessors focus on how your long COVID symptoms impact your ability to carry out specific activities, rather than just the diagnosis itself. They’ll consider:
The severity and frequency of your symptoms
How your condition limits your independence or mobility
Whether your symptoms vary from day to day or week to week
Any help or support you need from others
For example, if you experience severe tiredness that means you need help with cooking or struggle to walk short distances without stopping, it’s important to explain this clearly.
Preparing for Your Assessment
Good preparation can make a big difference. Here’s how you can get ready:
Gather Medical Evidence: Collect recent letters or reports from your GP, specialist, or therapist. Evidence should describe your diagnosis, symptoms, treatments, and how your condition affects your daily life.
Keep a Symptom Diary: Recording your symptoms over several weeks can help show how long COVID affects you on different days. Note down what you struggle with, how you feel, and any support you need.
Write an Impact Statement: Describe in your own words how long COVID affects your daily activities and mobility. Be specific – mention tasks you find difficult, how often you need help, and how your life has changed.
The Role of Medical Evidence
Medical evidence is crucial for your claim. This might include:
Letters from your GP or consultant detailing your diagnosis and ongoing symptoms
Reports from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or mental health professionals
Test results or hospital discharge summaries
The more detailed and recent your evidence, the better it will support your case.
Describing Fluctuating Symptoms
Long COVID symptoms often come and go. It’s important to explain:
How often you have “bad days” compared to “good days”
What you can and can’t do on your worst days
If your symptoms get worse after activity (sometimes called “post-exertional malaise”)
Try to give examples. For instance, if walking to the shops leaves you exhausted for the rest of the day, mention this.
Be Honest and Detailed
Always answer questions honestly and give as much detail as possible. Don’t downplay your difficulties, even if you find it hard to talk about them. The assessor needs a full picture to make a fair decision.
If You Disagree With the Outcome
If you’re unhappy with the decision after your assessment, you have the right to challenge it. This is known as asking for a “mandatory reconsideration.” You can find more information about what happens after your assessment and how to appeal on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment page.
Taking time to prepare and clearly explaining the impact of long COVID on your daily life will give you the best chance of a successful PIP claim.
Steps to Apply for PIP if You Have Long Covid
Steps to Apply for PIP if You Have Long Covid
If long COVID is making daily activities or getting around difficult, you may be able to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process, from starting your claim to what to do if you disagree with the decision.
1. Contact the DWP to Start Your Claim
The first step is to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You can do this by phone, textphone, or relay service. When you call, you’ll be asked for some basic information so the DWP can start your claim and send you the main application form.
2. Gather the Information You’ll Need
You’ll need to provide:
Your full name, date of birth, and address
Your National Insurance number
Bank or building society details
Contact details for your GP or other healthcare professionals involved in your care
Details about your long COVID symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and any treatments or medications you are receiving
It helps to have this information ready before you call, as it will make the process smoother.
3. Complete the PIP Claim Form
After you’ve contacted the DWP, you’ll be sent a ‘How your disability affects you’ form. This is your chance to explain in detail how long COVID impacts your daily living and mobility. Be specific about the difficulties you face, such as:
Fatigue that makes it hard to prepare meals or manage personal care
Brain fog affecting your ability to remember tasks or make decisions
Breathlessness or chest pain that limits your ability to move around
Fluctuating symptoms and how your condition varies day to day
When filling in the form, focus on how your symptoms affect you most of the time, not just on your best or worst days. Give examples of the support you need or any adaptations you use.
For more detailed guidance on this stage, see our page on how to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
4. What Happens After You Apply
Once you return your form, the DWP may ask for further evidence or invite you to an assessment. This assessment is usually carried out by a health professional, either in person, over the phone, or by video call. They’ll ask about your long COVID symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
The DWP will then make a decision based on your application, the assessment, and any medical evidence you provide. Most people get a decision within a few months, but timescales can vary.
5. Tips for Completing the PIP Form with Long Covid
Be honest and detailed: Describe your worst days and how often they occur.
Use examples: Explain how symptoms like fatigue or brain fog make daily tasks difficult.
Include medical evidence: Attach letters from your GP or specialists if you have them.
Don’t downplay your difficulties: Even if symptoms fluctuate, explain how unpredictable they are.
6. Getting Help with Your Application
Applying for PIP can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with long COVID. You can ask a friend, family member, or support worker to help you fill in the form. Charities and independent advisers can also assist you with the application and help you prepare for assessments.
7. If Your Claim Is Refused
If your claim is unsuccessful or you disagree with the decision, you have the right to ask for a reconsideration. This is called a ‘mandatory reconsideration’ and must be requested within one month of the decision. If you’re still unhappy after the reconsideration, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
For more information about the process and your rights, visit the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) website.
Taking the time to explain how long COVID affects your life and seeking support if you need it can make a real difference to your PIP claim. If you need step-by-step guidance, see our advice on how to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Additional Support and Related Benefits
If you are living with long COVID, there may be additional benefits and support available alongside Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help you manage daily life and maintain your independence. Understanding your options can make a significant difference in your quality of life.
Other Benefits and Support
In addition to PIP, you might be eligible for other financial support, such as Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Attendance Allowance, depending on your age and circumstances. Some people with long COVID also qualify for help with council tax, travel costs, or prescription charges. It’s important to review your situation regularly, as eligibility rules can change and you may become entitled to further support over time.
Housing Assistance and Adaptations
If your long COVID symptoms affect your mobility or ability to live independently, you may need help with housing. There are schemes to support disabled people in finding suitable accommodation or making their current home more accessible. For example, you could apply for housing assistance for disabled people, which covers social housing options and legal rights around accessible accommodation.
PIP can also play a role in housing, as receiving it may make you eligible for extra help with housing costs, such as Housing Benefit or support with council tax. For a detailed overview of how PIP regulations relate to housing support, you can consult the Housing Benefit Regulations provided by Disability Rights UK.
If your home needs to be adapted – such as installing ramps, stairlifts, or accessible bathrooms – you have legal rights to request these changes. For guidance on making your home more accessible, see our resource on disability adjustments for housing. These adjustments can help you stay safe and comfortable in your own home, and there may be grants available to help cover the costs.
Employment Accommodations
Many people with long COVID find that returning to work or staying in employment requires adjustments. Employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees, including those with long-term health conditions like long COVID. This could involve changes to your working hours, remote working, or adapting your role. To learn more about your rights and what to expect, visit our guide to workplace accommodations for long COVID.
Make the Most of Available Support
Navigating the benefits system and accessing support can feel overwhelming, especially when managing a long-term health condition. Take time to explore all the help you may be entitled to, from financial benefits and housing assistance to workplace adjustments. Doing so can improve your independence and wellbeing while living with long COVID. If you need further information about PIP or related regulations, the PIP regulations – Disability Rights UK page is a helpful starting point.
Other Health Conditions Related to PIP Claims
Many people living with long COVID also experience other health conditions, either as pre-existing diagnoses or as a result of their ongoing symptoms. If you are considering a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim, it’s important to recognise how these additional health issues might affect your eligibility and the way your claim is assessed.
Some of the most common conditions that can impact PIP claims include:
ADHD: If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, you may find it helpful to read about how to claim PIP for ADHD, especially if symptoms like inattention or impulsivity affect your daily living.
Anxiety: Mental health challenges are common alongside long COVID. Guidance on how to claim PIP for anxiety can help you understand what evidence you might need.
Arthritis: Joint pain and mobility issues can overlap with long COVID symptoms. Learn more about how to claim PIP for arthritis or claim PIP for osteoarthritis.
Autism: If you are autistic, the process for claiming PIP for autism may provide helpful insights for preparing your application.
Bipolar Disorder: For those experiencing mood swings or related symptoms, see how to claim PIP for bipolar disorder.
COPD: Chronic respiratory conditions like COPD share similarities with long COVID, particularly around breathlessness and fatigue.
Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Digestive issues can be severe and unpredictable. You can find information on how to claim PIP for Crohn’s disease or claim PIP for ulcerative colitis.
Depression: Many people with long COVID also experience depression. Guidance on claiming PIP for depression can be useful if your mental health affects your daily life.
Diabetes: If you manage diabetes alongside long COVID, it’s worth reading about claiming PIP for diabetes.
Epilepsy: Seizures and their impact on safety and independence are covered in claiming PIP for epilepsy.
Fibromyalgia: This condition shares symptoms with long COVID, such as pain and fatigue. Find out more about claiming PIP for fibromyalgia.
Heart Disease: If you have heart problems, claiming PIP for heart disease explains what information to provide.
Learning Disability: For those with cognitive challenges, see claim PIP for learning disability for tailored advice.
OCD: If obsessive-compulsive disorder affects your routines or safety, guidance on claiming PIP for OCD may be relevant.
Stroke: After a stroke, mobility and cognition can be affected. Learn how to claim PIP for stroke.
Terminal Illness: If you have a terminal diagnosis, the process for claiming PIP for terminal illness is different and usually faster.
Understanding the impact of these conditions can help you prepare a stronger PIP application. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will assess how all your health issues – physical and mental – affect your ability to carry out daily tasks and move around. You may need to provide medical evidence for each condition, and explain how they interact to impact your independence.
Exploring these related guides can help you gather the right information, make sure your claim covers every aspect of your situation, and access the right support. If you have more than one health condition, it’s important to mention them all in your application, as the combined effect can be significant in the assessment process.
For further help, review the guides linked above to see which conditions are relevant to you and to find practical advice for your PIP claim and support planning.
