PIP How to Apply

Applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in the UK involves several steps, from the initial phone call to potentially undergoing an assessment.

Personal independence payment is designed to help with extra living costs associated with having a long term physical or mental health condition. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the claim process smoothly. The guide will explain exactly how to apply for pip (Personal independence payment).

Step 1: Initial Preparation

When claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP), thorough preparation is crucial to ensure you provide all the necessary information accurately and efficiently. This step involves gathering a variety of documents and details about your personal situation, health condition, and daily life.

• Your contact details
• National Insurance Number
• Bank or building society account details
• Bank or building society account number where you want your Personal independence payment sent.
• Information about your doctor or healthcare professional
• Health worker's name, addresses, and contact numbers of your General Practitioner (GP), specialists, or any other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
• Details of any healthcare facilities or hospitals you regularly visit.
• Hospital dates (previous and upcoming appointments, any previous hospital admissions.
• Medical Evidence, details of any medication you are taking
• Names and dosages of all current medications.
• Reasons for taking each medication, as this helps illustrate how your condition affects your daily life and why ongoing treatment is necessary.
• Information about how your condition affects you daily
• Immigration Status
• If you are not a UK citizen, have your immigration status documents ready, such as your residence permit or visa.
• This information is necessary to confirm your eligibility for PIP, as some immigration statuses may affect your entitlement to benefits.
• Details of any time you have spent abroad for more than 6 months.

Example: Julia is claiming Personal Independence Payment for her disability which affects her mobility. She makes a list of her medications, notes down the names and contact details of her physiotherapist and general practitioner, and reflects on the daily activities she struggles with due to her condition.

If you have reached state pension age

If you have reached the State pension age you need to consider claiming attendance allowance instead. Personal independence payment is not available for new applicants that have reached the state pension age.

Why do I need my National insurance number?

You need your National insurance number so that the DWP can identify your national insurance record and make sure you are receiving the correct amount of benefits. For example, you may have been claiming Disability living allowance in the past. If you are claiming disability living allowance and are transitioning to personal independence payment or attendance allowance we recommend getting in touch with us for more help.

Personal independence payment is not one of the UK's means tested benefits.

Step 2: Starting Your Personal Independence Payment Claim Form

The first official step in the application process is to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You can do this by calling them. Here are the necessary contact details as of my last update in 2021 (please verify with the official website for the most recent information):

• Telephone: 0800 917 2222
• Textphone: 0800 917 7777
• NGT text relay (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 917 2222
• Video relay service for British Sign Language (BSL) users - Check you can use the service.

Example: Julia calls the above number and initiates her PIP claim. She provides her personal details and answers questions about her condition. The DWP return a paper claim form by post to Julia.

Step 3: Completing the 'How your disability affects you' Form

After the initial call, you may be sent a form called 'How your disability affects you' (PIP2). You will need to fill this form with detailed information about how your health condition or disability affects your daily life (certain everyday tasks and mobility tasks) both on good and bad days, and over a range of activities. Your health condition might be a long term physical disability or mental health condition.

Example: Julia receives the PIP2 form and starts filling it out. She makes sure to detail how her mobility issues affect various aspects of her daily life, including her inability to walk long distances and her struggles with preparing meals. She also attaches medical reports as supporting documents.

Consider Which Component of PIP You Need

When preparing to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), it's important to consider which component(s) of PIP you might be eligible for and whether you need support with daily living, mobility, or both. PIP is divided into two main components:

Daily Living Component

This is for individuals who need help with daily activities such as preparing food, eating, washing, dressing, managing medication, and communicating with others.

There are two rates: standard and enhanced, based on the level of help you require.

Mobility Component

This is for individuals who have difficulty getting around. It covers activities such as planning and following journeys, and moving around.

Like the daily living component, it has two rates: standard and enhanced, depending on your level of need.

Evaluating Your Needs

Before you start your application, reflect on your daily life and how your condition affects you. Consider the following questions to determine which component(s) you should apply for:

Daily Living Activities:

• Do you need assistance with personal care, such as washing, dressing, or using the toilet?
• Do you struggle to prepare and cook meals independently?
• Are you able to manage your medication without help?
• Do you need support to communicate or engage with others?

Mobility Needs:

• Do you have difficulty planning and making journeys, even familiar ones?
• Do you need physical assistance to move around, either indoors or outdoors?
• Do you experience pain or discomfort that limits your ability to walk or move?

Example: Julia, preparing to apply for PIP, takes time to reflect on her needs. She realizes that her condition affects both her ability to perform daily living activities and her mobility. Julia struggles with cooking and dressing due to severe arthritis and also finds it difficult to walk more than a few steps without pain. Therefore, she decides to apply for both the daily living and mobility components of PIP.

Step 4: Gather Supporting Evidence

It's crucial to gather and submit supporting evidence along with your form. This evidence can include:

• Medical reports
• Prescriptions
• Care plans
• Statements from a health professional who know about your disability or health condition, like a social worker or occupational therapist

Example: Julia contacts a health professional and requests copies of her latest medical reports. She also asks her physiotherapist to provide a statement explaining her current mobility limitations.

Step 5: Face-to-Face Consultation

Once the form and supporting documents are submitted, you might be invited for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare professional. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, assessments might also be conducted over the phone or through a video call.

Example: Julia receives a letter with a date for her face-to-face consultation. She prepares by listing down specific incidents where her disability has affected her daily activities, to share with the assessor.

Step 6: Decision

After your assessment, the DWP will make a decision about your Personal Independence Payment claim based on the results of the assessment and the details in your application. You will receive a letter that tells you the amount you'll get and explains the decision.

Example: A few weeks after her assessment, Julia receives a letter from the DWP explaining that she qualifies for the enhanced rate for both the daily living and mobility components of personal independence payment. The letter outlines how they arrived at this decision based on her assessment and the evidence she provided.

Step 7: Appeals (if Necessary)

If you disagree with your pip claim decision , you have the right to challenge it by asking for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date you received the decision.

Example: In case Julia disagreed with the decision, she could compile additional evidence and write a detailed letter explaining why she believes the decision should be reconsidered, initiating the appeals process.

What to Do If Your Circumstances Change

Life is unpredictable, and changes in your health, living situation, or personal circumstances can affect your Personal Independence Payment (PIP). It is important to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of any significant changes as soon as possible. Here's what you need to know:

Types of Changes to Report

1. Health condition

If your health condition improves or worsens, impacting your daily life and mobility. New diagnoses or additional health conditions that affect your daily activities.

2. Living Situation

• Change of address
• Change of telephone number or email address
• Changes in living arrangements, such as moving into a care facility or starting to live with a new caregiver.

3. Hospital Stays

If you are hospitalized or admitted to a care home for an extended period, you must inform the DWP.

4. Employment Status:

Starting or stopping work, or changes in your employment status that might affect your PIP claim.

How to Report Changes

1. Contact the DWP:

Call the PIP helpline to report any changes. As of the last update, the contact number is 0800 917 2222 (please verify for the most recent contact information).

2. Provide Supporting Evidence

Be ready to provide new medical reports or other relevant documents that explain the changes in your circumstances.

3. Keep Records:

Document all communications with the DWP, including dates, times, and the names of representatives you speak with. Keep copies of any letters or emails sent and received.

Example: Julia’s condition deteriorates, and she is diagnosed with a new health issue that significantly impacts her mobility. Julia contacts the DWP to report this change, providing updated medical reports from her doctor. This information may prompt a reassessment of her PIP to ensure she receives the appropriate level of support.

Importance of Reporting Changes

1. Accurate Payments:

Reporting changes ensures you receive the correct amount of support based on your current needs.

2. Avoid Overpayments or Underpayments:

Keeping the DWP informed helps prevent overpayments, which you might have to repay, or underpayments, where you might not receive the support you need.

3. Compliance

It is a legal requirement to report changes in your circumstances. Failing to do so can result in penalties or legal action.

By promptly reporting any changes in your circumstances, you help ensure that your PIP claim accurately reflects your current situation, providing you with the necessary support to manage your daily life.

How to Apply if You Have a Visual or Auditory Impairment

Applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be more challenging if you have a visual or auditory impairment. The DWP provides:

For Visual Impairments

1. Accessible Formats:

You can request application forms and information in accessible formats, such as large print, Braille, or audio CD. Contact the PIP helpline to request these materials.

2. Assistance with Filling Out Forms:

If you need help completing the forms, you can ask a trusted friend, family member, or a professional from a support organization to assist you.

3. Online and Telephone Support:

You can call the PIP helpline to receive guidance over the phone. The DWP can provide detailed explanations and support through this medium.

4. Face-to-Face Assistance:

If you require face-to-face assistance, you can visit a local advice center or charity that supports visually impaired individuals. They can help you complete your application accurately.

For Hearing Impairments

1. Textphone Service:

The DWP offers a textphone service for those who have difficulty hearing or speaking on the phone. You can contact the PIP helpline via textphone at 0800 917 7777.

2. NGT Text Relay:

If you use a text relay service, you can contact the PIP helpline by dialing 18001 followed by 0800 917 2222. This allows you to communicate with the DWP using text relay.

3. Video Relay Service for British Sign Language (BSL) Users:

For those who use British Sign Language, the DWP provides a video relay service. You can access this service through the DWP website, where a BSL interpreter will assist you in communicating with the PIP helpline.

4. Email Communication

You can request to communicate with the DWP via email if speaking on the phone is not feasible. This method allows you to receive and send information in a written format.

Summary

Applying for Personal Independence payment in the UK can be a detailed process, necessitating careful preparation and a clear articulation of how your condition affects your daily life. Using examples and providing supporting evidence can strengthen your pip claim and increase your chances of a successful application. It is always beneficial to consult with a professional or charitable organisation for assistance if you find the process to claim pip daunting.

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