What is the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and who can claim it?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non means tested benefit for people of working age with a disability. Because it is non-means tested it doesn't matter if you are working or how much you earn. PIP has replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) except for children aged under 16 years old. It is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and by the Department for Communities (DfC) in Northern Ireland.
If you live in Scotland PIP is being replaced by a benefit called Adult Disability Payment (ADP). For information on how to make a new claim or how the transfer will affect you please see What is the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland?
Who can make a claim for PIP?
- You must be aged 16 or over and under state pension age when you first make a claim. Please also see I'm an adult currently receiving DLA, do I have to claim PIP?
- You must need help with daily living activities or getting out and around, or both
- You must have had your sight loss (and any other disabilities if applicable) for the three months before you make a claim for PIP.
- For your claim to be successful, it must also be expected that your disability will last for the next nine months.
To make a claim for PIP you must also:
- Be habitually resident in the UK
- Satisfy the past presence test.
These rules are complicated and there are some exceptions, for example if you are living in a European Economic Area country. Please seek further advice if you are unsure.
PIP has two components, a daily living component (to help you with everyday tasks), and a mobility component (to help you with getting around). Both components have a standard rate and an enhanced rate.
Further information on PIP and DLA can be found on RNIB's Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) webpages.
If you are in England or Wales you can request a PIP claim form from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by calling 0800 917 2222 or textphone 0800 917 7777.
If you are in Northern Ireland you can request a PIP claim form by calling 0800 012 1573 or textphone 0800 587 0937.
