Applying for Personal Independence Payments

Prepare and Gather Information

Before you begin your application, make sure you have all the necessary details on hand:

• Personal details: Your National Insurance number, address, and date of birth.

• Details about your condition: Information about your disability, symptoms, and how it affects your day-to-day life.

• Medical evidence: Gather any medical reports, diagnoses, or treatment details that help explain your condition. This can include letters from doctors or therapists.

• Bank account information: You’ll need your bank details for payments.

Tip: Make a checklist of everything you need, and gather it step by step to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Start Your Application

You can apply for PIP by either phone or online. If you prefer not to do it online, calling is an option.

Online Application:

• Go to the official government website gov.uk.

• Create an account or sign in if you already have one.

• Fill out the online form by answering questions about your condition and how it affects your daily life. You can save your progress and return later.

Phone Application:

• If you prefer to apply by phone, call the PIP claim line at 0800 917 2222. You can also request a paper application if needed.

• Tip: If talking on the phone causes anxiety, you might find it helpful to have a friend or family member make the call for you, or ask to have the call scheduled at a time when you feel comfortable.

Answering the Questions (The “How Your Condition Affects You” Form)

You will be asked how your condition affects your ability to carry out daily activities. This is an important part of the process, as it determines your eligibility and the amount of support you receive.

Describe your condition: For each question, be as detailed as possible. The form will ask about:

• Your ability to move around (e.g., how far you can walk without feeling pain or fatigue).

• Personal care (e.g., can you wash, dress, and use the toilet on your own?).

• Communication (e.g., can you understand or express what you need?).

• Social interactions (e.g., can you engage with others?).

• Managing money (e.g., can you handle bills, shopping, and budgeting?).

• Managing medication (e.g., do you need help with taking your medication?).

Explain in detail: Be honest and as thorough as possible about how your health affects you. For example, if anxiety makes it hard for you to go to appointments, or if autism affects your ability to understand social cues, write this down.

• Use examples: Provide specific examples. For instance, instead of just saying "I have trouble with social situations," you can explain, “I avoid crowded places because it triggers my anxiety, and I often struggle to follow conversations with multiple people.”

Tip: If this step feels too overwhelming, you can ask for help from someone you trust, like a family member, friend, or social worker. They can help you write out your answers or go through the questions with you.

Send Your Completed Form

Once you’ve filled out the form (whether online or paper), send it to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You can submit it online or mail it if you’ve completed a paper form.

Tip: Take a photo or make a copy of your completed form before sending it, just in case you need to refer to it later.

Assessment Appointment

Once your form is processed, the DWP may arrange a face-to-face assessment or a phone assessment. This is to help them better understand how your condition affects you. The assessment is usually conducted by a health professional.

Prepare for the assessment: This can be anxiety-inducing, so it's important to be ready.

• Write down what to expect: Review your form, as the assessor will ask about the details you provided.

• Bring supporting evidence: Take along any medical documents or letters you have that explain your condition. This can help strengthen your case.

Tip: If going to an in-person appointment feels too stressful, you can ask if the assessment can be done over the phone or at home. Also, consider having a trusted person accompany you for support.

Decision and Notification

After your assessment, the DWP will review your application and decide if you are eligible for PIP and how much you will receive. This may take several weeks.

• Wait for the decision: The DWP will send you a decision letter in the post. If you are awarded PIP, the letter will explain the details of your award, including how much you will receive and for how long.

• If you’re denied: If your application is denied, you can request a “mandatory reconsideration.” This means the DWP will look at your case again. If you’re still unhappy, you can appeal the decision.

Tip: Keep a copy of all the letters you receive from the DWP for your records.

Receiving Payments

If your application is successful, you will receive payments based on the level of support you qualify for. Payments are usually made every four weeks.

• Set up payments: You will need to provide your bank account details when you apply.

• Manage your award: If your situation changes, or if you feel your condition has worsened or improved, you must inform the DWP. They may reassess your PIP.

Extra Tips for Reducing Stress

• Break tasks into smaller steps: Instead of focusing on everything at once, break it down into small, manageable tasks. Focus on completing one thing at a time.

• Take breaks when needed: Don’t feel pressured to finish everything in one go. Take a break if you feel overwhelmed, and return when you feel ready.

• Ask for help: You don’t have to go through the process alone. Family members, friends, or support workers can help guide you through the application or review your answers.

• Keep a routine: If applying for PIP is making you anxious, try to stick to a calm routine each day. Having a predictable schedule can help manage stress.

Final Thoughts

By taking it step by step and using these tips, you can reduce the pressure of the application process and increase your chances of getting the support you need.