Does Crohn's / UC qualify?
Yes. Crohn's disease (NG129) and ulcerative colitis (NG130) are recognised long-term conditions. The PIP test is functional impact, and both conditions commonly hit continence, food handling, therapy management and mobility in flare and recovery.
The continence descriptor
DL 5 (managing toilet needs / continence) is the anchor for IBD claims:
- Needs to use an aid or appliance (stoma bag, incontinence pads): 2 points.
- Needs supervision, prompting or assistance: 2 to 4 points.
- Needs assistance to manage toilet needs: 4 points.
- Needs assistance to manage incontinence of either bladder or bowel: 6 points.
- Needs assistance to manage incontinence of both bladder and bowel: 8 points.
Under Reg 7 apply the 50 per cent rule across the 12 month period: flare frequency and severity determine which descriptor is majority.
Biologics and therapy management
DL 3 (managing therapy or monitoring a health condition) scores complex regimens. Include:
- Biologics: infliximab (IV infusions on 8-week cycles), adalimumab / golimumab (self-injection), vedolizumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab.
- Immunosuppressants: azathioprine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate.
- JAK inhibitors: tofacitinib, upadacitinib.
- Steroid tapers, aminosalicylates (mesalazine).
- Regular monitoring bloods (FBC, LFTs, CRP, calprotectin), TB screening pre-biologic.
Which descriptors apply
- Daily Living 5 (managing toilet needs): anchor descriptor (see above).
- Daily Living 3 (managing therapy): biologics and monitoring (see above).
- Daily Living 1 (preparing food): fatigue in flare, restricted diet, low-residue prep, cannot stand at hob during flare.
- Daily Living 2 (taking nutrition): enteral nutrition (Modulen, Fortisip), needs prompting to eat.
- Daily Living 4 (washing / bathing): around a stoma, appliance care, skin protection.
- Mobility 1 (planning and following a journey): cannot travel without guaranteed bathroom access; cannot follow a journey alone in flare.
- Mobility 2 (moving around): distance limited by pain, urgency, and fatigue.
Evidence to send
- Gastroenterology clinic letter with diagnosis (Crohn's or UC), disease extent, and current treatment.
- Colonoscopy / MRE report where available.
- Biologics prescription and infusion schedule; IBD nurse specialist letter.
- Stoma nurse letter and appliance regimen where applicable.
- 4 to 8 week flare and toilet-frequency diary.
- Recent bloods (FBC, CRP, faecal calprotectin).
At the assessment
Answer for typical days across a 12-month period, not for the good week between infusions. State how often you have accidents, how many toilet trips per day, and how often flares happen. Bring an advocate.
The November 2026 four-point rule
New PIP claims from November 2026 need at least one 4-point (or higher) descriptor to qualify for Daily Living. For IBD this usually lands on DL 5 (continence) or DL 3 (biologic management) when the regimen and flare pattern are fully described.
Build the evidence pack
Our assessment turns your flare pattern and biologic regimen into a formal PIP evidence pack.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get PIP for Crohn's or ulcerative colitis?
Yes. IBD scores against multiple PIP activities. Continence, therapy management, food preparation and mobility are all commonly affected in flare. NG129 (Crohn's) and NG130 (UC) are the NHS anchors.
Do I have to be in flare all the time?
No. Under the 50 per cent rule (Reg 7) a descriptor applies if it fits on more than half of days over 12 months. Long flare periods, urgent bathroom access, fatigue, and post-biologic infusion recovery days all count.
Which activities does IBD score on most?
Most commonly: DL 5 managing toilet needs / continence, DL 3 managing therapy (biologics, immunosuppressants), DL 1 preparing food (restricted diet, fatigue), Mob 1 planning a journey (bathroom access), DL 2 taking nutrition (enteral nutrition, low-residue diets).
Does a stoma affect the claim?
Yes. Stoma management scores on DL 5 (managing toilet needs, appliance care) at fixed rates. It also affects DL 4 washing and DL 6 dressing (bag placement, appliance changes, skin care).
Do biologics count as complex therapy?
Yes. Infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab and JAK inhibitors are complex therapy under DL 3. Include infusion schedules, injection training and monitoring bloods on your form.
General information and document drafting, not benefits advice. Finally Seen is not affiliated with DWP or the NHS and does not guarantee any award. Check current guidance at gov.uk before sending.