Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Explained

PIP helps with the extra costs that come with a long-term health condition or disability.

It's paid in two parts. The daily living component is £76.70 a week at the standard rate and £114.60 at the enhanced rate. The mobility component is £30.30 standard and £80 enhanced. You might qualify for one or both.

It isn't means-tested, so your income and savings make no difference, and you can claim whether you're in work or not. It's paid tax-free every four weeks.

You can make a new claim from age 16 up to State Pension age. Older guidance often still says 64, which is out of date — State Pension age is now 66 or over.

Who is eligible?

You need a long-term condition or disability that affects your daily living or your mobility. The condition must have affected you for at least three months and be expected to continue for at least nine more.

What's assessed is how your condition affects specific everyday tasks, not the diagnosis itself. Two people with the same condition can get different awards.

Because it isn't means-tested, working, savings, and other income are all irrelevant to whether you qualify.

If your condition is service-related you may also have an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme claim, which is separate and handled by Veterans UK. Holding one doesn't affect the other.

What benefits does this provide?

  • Daily living component: £76.70 a week at the standard rate, £114.60 at the enhanced rate.

  • Mobility component: £30.30 a week at the standard rate, £80 at the enhanced rate.

  • Paid tax-free, every 4 weeks: PIP is not means-tested — your income and savings make no difference to whether you get it or how much.

  • Financial Support: PIP provides financial assistance to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability.

  • Daily Living Component: Offers support for daily activities such as preparing food, managing medication, and personal care.

  • Mobility Component: Assists with mobility needs, including planning and following journeys or moving around.

  • Independence: Encourages greater independence by enabling recipients to manage their own care and mobility needs.

  • Eligibility for Other Benefits: Receiving PIP can lead to eligibility for other benefits and services, such as Carer's Allowance or the Motability Scheme.

  • Non-Means Tested: PIP is not means-tested, meaning it is not affected by income or savings.

  • Tax-Free: The payment is tax-free and can be received whether the recipient is in or out of work.

  • Regular reviews: Awards are reviewed periodically, so a change in your condition can change what you receive.

How do I apply?

  • Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the basic criteria, such as age and residency requirements, and have a health condition or disability that affects daily living or mobility.
  • Gather Information: Prepare necessary details, including your National Insurance number, bank account information, and healthcare provider contacts.
  • Start the Application: Call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at 0800 917 2222 to begin your claim. You can also request a paper form if needed.
  • Complete the Form: Fill out the "How your disability affects you" form, providing detailed information about your condition and its impact on your life.
  • Submit Evidence: Include any supporting documents, such as medical reports or letters from healthcare professionals.
  • Attend an Assessment: You may be asked to attend a face-to-face assessment to discuss your claim further.
  • Receive a Decision: Wait for the DWP to review your application and notify you of their decision.

Common questions

How much is PIP a week?

The daily living component is £76.70 at the standard rate and £114.60 at the enhanced rate. The mobility component is £30.30 standard and £80 enhanced.

What is the upper age limit for claiming PIP?

You can make a new claim from age 16 up to State Pension age, which is now 66 or over. Older guidance saying 64 is out of date.

Is PIP means-tested?

No. Your income and savings make no difference to whether you get PIP or how much, and it is paid tax-free every 4 weeks.

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Last reviewed 26 August 2026 by Brittany Belt, Co-founder and COO