PIP is based on how your condition affects your everyday life and mobility. It is not awarded simply because you have a particular diagnosis or injury.
You can receive PIP whether you are in or out of work. It is not means-tested, so your earnings, savings and other capital will not affect how much PIP you receive.
This guide explains:
• what a DWP PIP payment is;
• who may be eligible;
• how much PIP payment you could receive;
• how to apply for PIP payments;
• how your claim is assessed;
• what evidence may help your claim;
• the difference between PIP, Armed Forces Independence Payment and War Pension
Important: PIP is available to new claimants living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, new claimants should apply for Adult Disability Payment instead.
Important: PIP is available to new claimants living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, new claimants should normally apply for Adult Disability Payment instead.
What is a DWP PIP payment?
What is a DWP PIP payment?
A DWP PIP payment is a disability benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions in England and Wales.
In Northern Ireland, PIP is administered by the Department for Communities.
PIP is intended to help with some of the additional costs you may face because of a long-term health condition or disability. You do not have to spend your payment on particular products or services.
PIP has two components:
• Daily living, for people who need help with everyday activities such as preparing food, washing, dressing, managing treatment, communicating, socialising or handling money.
• Mobility, for people who have difficulty planning or following journeys or physically moving around.
You may qualify for one or both components.
Who is eligible for PIP payments?
• you are aged 16 or over, and under state pension age at the first point of your claim
• you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability;
• you have difficulty completing certain everyday activities or getting around;
• your difficulties are expected to last for at least 12 months from when they began; and
• you meet the relevant residence and presence rules.
You need to be under State Pension age when making a new claim. If you make a successful PIP claim before reaching State Pension age, your award may continue after you reach State Pension age, provided that you continue to meet the relevant conditions.
Different rules may apply if you are nearing the end of life because of a life-limiting illness.
Does limb loss automatically qualify you for PIP?
Limb loss does not usually result in an automatic PIP award.
PIP is generally based on how your disability affects your daily living and mobility, rather than the name of the disability itself. Two people with a similar injury or condition may therefore receive different PIP decisions.
When applying, explain how your limb loss and other conditions affect daily life, including pain, fatigue, balance, falls, walking, prosthesis use, skin problems, extra time needed and any support or equipment you require.
How much is a PIP payment?
For the 2026/27 benefit year, weekly PIP rates are:
|
Component |
Standard rate |
Enhanced rate |
|
Daily living |
£76.70 |
£114.60 |
|
Mobility |
£30.30 |
£80.00 |
PIP is usually paid every four weeks into a bank, building society or credit union account. The amount depends on which components and rates you qualify for.
PIP is tax-free and is not affected by income or savings.
How are PIP rates decided?
PIP uses a points-based assessment covering daily living and mobility activities.
The assessment considers whether you can complete activities safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and within a reasonable time.
When making a claim, explain not only whether you can complete an activity, but how long it takes, whether you need help, and whether it causes pain, fatigue or other difficulties.
How do I apply for PIP payments?
Applying for PIP in England and Wales
You can normally start a new PIP claim by calling the DWP PIP new claims line:
Telephone: 0800 917 2222
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Some people may be invited to start or continue their claim online.
During the initial claim, you may be asked for:
• your full name, address and date of birth;
• your National Insurance number;
• your bank or building society details;
• details of your doctor or other health professional;
• information about time spent abroad; and
• details of recent stays in hospital or a care home.
Someone can help you make the call. You will usually need to be present if another person calls on your behalf.
Applying for PIP in Northern Ireland
If you live in Northern Ireland, contact the Personal Independence Payment Centre through nidirect. PIP claims in Northern Ireland are managed by the Department for Communities rather than DWP.
Applying in Scotland
You cannot normally make a new PIP claim in Scotland. You should apply for Adult Disability Payment through Social Security Scotland instead.
How your claim assessed
A PIP case manager will assess your claim and decide whether to award you benefit and if so at what rate. Your claim may be decided using the information on your form and any available medical evidence. You may also be asked to take part in an assessment, either in person at an assessment centre, by telephone, or video. These assessments are carried out by a government contracted provided who will complete a report and pass it back to the Department for Work and Pensions or, for those in Northern Ireland, the Department for Communities for a decision to be made.
Completing your PIP form
Explain how your condition affects your daily life, including any help, equipment, or additional time you need. Describe difficulties with your prosthesis, changes between good and bad days, and give clear real-life examples.
Supporting evidence, such as medical reports, prosthetic report or a diary may also help your claim.
When will I receive a decision?
You will receive a decision letter after DWP, or the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland, has considered your application and any assessment report.
The letter should explain:
• whether you have been awarded PIP;
• which components and rates you will receive;
• the date of your first payment;
• how long the award will last;
• whether and when it will be reviewed.
PIP awards can be made for different lengths of time depending on whether your needs are expected to change.
What is the difference between PIP, AFIP and War Pension?
PIP is a disability benefit based on how a long-term condition or disability affects your daily living and mobility.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides compensation for injury or illness caused or made worse by service on or after 6 April 2005. The scheme can be made up of a lump sum payment and a monthly Guaranteed Income Payment recognising the long-term impact of injury on the individual’s civilian employability.
Armed Forces Independence Payment, or AFIP, is designed to provide financial support to those who have been seriously injured as a result of service. It is to cover the extra costs that may be incurred as a result of their injury. Those awarded a GIP of 50% or more will be eligible for AFIP.
Unlike PIP, AFIP:
• is linked to a qualifying Armed Forces Compensation Scheme award;
• does not use the standard PIP assessment;
• is paid at the same total rate as the enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility components of PIP;
• continues for as long as the qualifying Guaranteed Income Payment remains in place; and
• does not involve future reassessments of your daily living and mobility needs.
You cannot receive PIP and AFIP at the same time.
War Pension Scheme
The War Pension provides compensation and supplementary allowances for disablement or death due to injury caused or made worse by service before 6 April 2005. The scheme can be made up of a one-off lump sum payment if the assessment band is below 20%. Ongoing War Disablement Pensions are payable from 20% upwards to 100% and the amount increases in ten percent steps.
There are supplements that may be paid with an ongoing award of Ward Disablement Pension and two of these overlap with PIP:
• Contant Attendance Allowance can be claimed by an individual who has a percentage level of at least 80% and who has a medical need that requires regular help and attendance of a personal nature because of their pensioned disablement. It is paid at four different rates.
• If you are awarded PIP daily living, any Constant Attendance Allowance you receive is deducted from this. The top two rates of Constant Attendance Allowance are more than the highest rate of PIP daily living
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement can be claimed by an individual who has a percentage level of at least 40% and whose pensionable disablement is as a result of one or both legs, or because of conditions for which the pension is paid, they are unable or almost unable to walk.
• If you are awarded War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, as this is worth more than the PIP mobility you will not be entitled to receive a payment of PIP mobility.
If you have queries relating to your Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or War Pension, please contact your Blesma Support Officer Blesma Support Officers | Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
Last reviewed: 9th October 2026
We can help
We are dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or sight. We support these men and women in their communities throughout the UK. Click the link below to find out the different kinds of support we offer.
Get Support- How do I apply for PIP payments?
In England and Wales, you can usually start a PIP claim by calling the DWP PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222. You will then complete a form describing how your condition affects your daily living and mobility. Northern Ireland has a separate PIP application service. In Scotland, apply for Adult Disability Payment instead.
- How do I get PIP payments?
You must make a claim and explain how your long-term condition affects specified daily living and mobility activities. Your entitlement is decided using a points-based assessment. Include clear examples and relevant supporting evidence.
- How much is a PIP payment?
For 2026/27, PIP ranges from £30.30 a week for the standard mobility component to a combined maximum of £194.60 a week for the enhanced rate of both components.
- What is the minimum PIP payment?
The lowest current PIP component is the standard mobility rate of £30.30 a week, normally paid as £121.20 every four weeks.
- Can you work while receiving PIP payments?
Yes. PIP is not means-tested, and you can receive it while working. Your eligibility depends on how your condition affects your daily living and mobility rather than your employment status.
- Is PIP taxable?
No. PIP is tax-free.
- Can I receive PIP and AFIP together?
No. You cannot receive Personal Independence Payment and Armed Forces Independence Payment at the same time.
- Is PIP available in Scotland?
New claims for PIP are not normally accepted in Scotland. People living in Scotland should apply for Adult Disability Payment instead.
- What to use for navigating pip?
You can use Blesma's PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT FACTSHEET and Hints and tips on completing the ‘How your disability affects you’ form.
Please note, some information might be outdated (e.g. the weekly rates).