PIP expert explains what the DWP learns from subtle 'chair test'
A former benefits assessor has shared that some people might not realise that they are being tested from the second they arrive to be checked if they are eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The simple 'chair test' is one of the few subtle ways that people might feel caught out.
Speaking to Dr Asif Ahmed on his podcast, Jacqueline Gozzard, who worked as a PIP assessor for several years, explained how some PIP assessors may use the 'chair test' to establish what some people are capable of the moment they enter an assessment centre.
Jacqueline explained that the assessment can start as soon as the waiting room, with the expert taking note of the kind of chair you selected to sit in. She said: "It starts right from when they walk through the door. There are chairs in that waiting room - some have arms on and some don't."
She said that your choice of chair matters. She added: "If [the claimant] has walked past chairs with arms and gone to a chair without arms, then [the assessor] would deem that they haven't got that much of a problem getting out of a chair because of that choice."
There's a second chance at the chair test, Jacqueline claims. "When they come into the office, again, there are two chairs. One is a high back chair with arms and the other isn't - so it's which chair do they choose to sit in," the former PIP assessor said.
Jacqueline said that she has carried out thousands of assessments and went on to share that there are many other subtle ways that PIP assessors try to understand potential claimants without them realising. She said that, during her career, she would ask if they found the centre without trouble or have general conversations about their supermarket shopping habits to figure out their travel capabilities.
Whilst it may sound sneaky, Jacqueline claims that these questions can "go both ways." In some cases, she claimed that the subtle methods can reveal areas where more support is needed that might not be picked up on a paper assessment or routine questionnaire.
How do the PIP scores work?
PIP is scored using a points-based system. You are awarded points based on your ability to perform daily living and mobility activities, with the points awarded depending on the level of support or assistance you require.
To qualify for either the standard or enhanced rate of PIP, you need to accumulate a certain number of points within each component (daily living and mobility). The points (ranging from 0 to 12) are awarded depending on the level of support needed to complete the activity.
According to the Benefits and Work Guide, you need to score between 8 and 11 points to qualify for the standard rate of either component. To qualify for the enhanced rate of either component, you need to score 12 or more points.
How much are you paid from PIP?
How much PIP you get depends on how difficult you find everyday activities (daily living tasks) and getting around (mobility tasks). According to GOV.UK, as of April 2025, the rates are:
Daily living part: £73.90 (lower) £110.40 (higher)
Mobility part: £29.20 (lower) £77.05 (higher)
The maximum weekly PIP in the UK for 2025 is £187.45 (£749.80 over four weeks). This is the total amount a claimant can receive if they qualify for both the daily living and mobility components at the enhanced rate.
PIP is tax-free and usually paid every four weeks. If your payment date is on a bank holiday, you'll usually be paid before the bank holiday. After that you'll continue to get paid as normal.
Who can get PIP?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical/mental health condition or disability that makes doing certain everyday tasks or getting around difficult because of your condition. The DWP shared online that people can get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if they meet all four of the eligibility criteria:
You're 16 or over
You have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
You have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around
You expect the difficulties to last for at least 12 months from when they started
You must also be under State Pension age if you've not received PIP before. If you're over State Pension age, you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
If you live in Scotland, you need to apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead. Find out how to claim if you live in Northern Ireland with NI Direct.
You can get the non-means-tested fit at the same time as all other benefits, except Armed Forces Independence Payment. For more information and how to enter a claim, go to the GOV.UK website here.
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