How to claim PIP disability benefits as government announces welfare reforms

Yahoo

23-05-2025

As the government plans to introduce a series of welfare reforms affecting disability benefit PIP, more questions are being asked about how much people can claim through PIP — and who can get it.
PIP, also known as a personal independence payment, is a lifeline for many people dealing with the extra costs of living with a disability.
Although applying for PIP can be a complicated and unclear process, with the right information, PIP applicants can navigate the process with confidence.
Here you can find out more about PIP, whether you could be eligible for payments, how to apply, and what to do if your claim is rejected.
PIP is a welfare benefit that helps adults with the extra costs of living with a health condition or a disability.
It replaced the disability living allowance (DLA) in 2013, and is available for those aged between 16 and state pension age.
The payments can help with the extra costs of living with a disability or a long-term health condition, like higher heating bills, special diets, equipment or taxi fares.
For more information, visit the gov.uk website.
You can get PIP if:
You're 16 or over
You have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
You have difficulty doing 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 live in Scotland, you need to apply for adult disability payment (ADP) instead.
PIP payments are broken down into weekly rates, with a lower and a higher weekly rate.
An assessor at the DWP will look into your application and determine your award.
As of April 2025, the standard weekly payment for daily living support is £73.90 a week, and the enhanced rate is £110.40.
The standard weekly payment for mobility support is £29.20 a week, and the enhanced rate is £77.05.
Type of PIP
Standard rate
Enhanced rate
£73.90
£110.40
£29.20
£77.05
PIP is tax free. Unlike some other benefits, the amount you get is not affected by your income or savings.
To apply for PIP, you can:
Start your claim by phone
Start your claim by post
In some areas, start your claim online
Need some more guidance on filling out your application? Turn2Us's PIP helper tool can help you track your application process and set up reminders to help you navigate the process. It's also been made by people who have applied for PIP themselves.
Further information from the government on how to claim PIP can be found here.
If you live in Northern Ireland, follow the claim process outlined here.
If you live in Scotland, you need to apply for the adult disability payment (ADP) instead.
(If you have a terminal illness, you claim PIP in a different way. More information on that can be found here.)
In some cases, you might be invited to an assessment as part of your application.
This is to learn more about:
How your condition affects your daily living and mobility tasks
Any treatments you've had or will have
You may also be asked to do some simple movements to show how you carry out activities.
The assessment can be over the phone, on a video call, or in person.
Can I get reimbursed?
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The cost of the journey to and from your home to the assessment centre, parking and fuel can be reimbursed.
If you take someone with you to the assessment, their travel costs can be reimbursed but only if they travel with you.
If you're worried about being assessed over the phone, you can have someone aged 16 or over on the call with you. They can take part in discussions and take notes.
For more information on how to prepare for the assessment process, visit Citizens Advice here.
You will receive a letter letting you know the outcome of your PIP application.
This will let you know if your application has been accepted or rejected, how much you're entitled to, and when your claim ends.
If you are successful, the letter will also tell you what day your first payment will arrive, and what day of the week you'll be paid. This may change on bank holidays, such as over the festive period.
You should expect this around 28 days after your assessment, although due to delays, it could arrive later.
You will be paid PIP every four weeks.
Make sure you:
Check when your claim ends:
Check your award is backdated:
Keep your letter safe
Notify your other benefits that you're now getting PIP