PIP help: the form, evidence, assessment and appeals. Finally Seen

Where are you now?

I have the PIP2 form to fill inHow the form works, what each descriptor means, and example answers that show the level of detail.My assessment is coming upWhat you are likely to be asked, and how to describe your usual days and your worst days.I have had a decision I disagree withMandatory reconsideration, its one month time limit, and appealing to a tribunal.I am over State Pension ageA new claim is usually for Attendance Allowance, not PIP.It is for my childChildren under 16 claim Disability Living Allowance (Child Disability Payment in Scotland).

How PIP is decided

PIP looks at 12 activities: 10 for daily living, such as preparing food, washing and bathing, and managing therapy or monitoring a health condition, and 2 for mobility, planning and following journeys and moving around. Schedule 1, PIP Regulations 2013
Each activity has a list of descriptors, and each descriptor is worth a set number of points. The points for daily living and the points for mobility are added up separately. Regulations 5 and 6
At least 8 points in a part means the standard rate of that part. At least 12 points means the enhanced rate. Regulations 5(3) and 6(3), and sections 78 and 79 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012
You only count as able to do an activity if you can do it safely, to an acceptable standard, as often as you reasonably need to, and in a reasonable time. Regulation 4(2A)
If your condition varies, the descriptor that counts for an activity is the one that applies on more than half of the days. Regulation 7
You should send the PIP2 form back within 1 month. Contact the PIP enquiry line if you need more time. GOV.UK, how to claim PIP

Starting a claim

The complete PIP guideWho can claim, the 2026/27 rates, how to start a claim and what happens next.Claiming without a diagnosisWhat to do if you are still waiting for a diagnosis.If you live in Northern IrelandPIP in Northern Ireland is run by the Department for Communities.If you live in ScotlandAdult Disability Payment has replaced PIP in Scotland.

Filling in the form

The PIP2 form is called “How your disability affects you”. These pages take it one activity at a time.

The PIP2 form, step by stepWhat each question is asking, and the detail to include in your answer.Example answers for all 12 activitiesWritten examples sorted by activity and condition, to show the level of detail. Never copy one that is not true for you.Every descriptor, word for wordAll 67 descriptors with their points, the legal definitions, and a printable score sheet.Points calculatorTick the descriptors you think apply and see the totals against the 8 and 12 point thresholds. It adds up, it does not predict.Keeping a PIP diaryA simple record of good and bad days, if your condition varies.Medical evidenceWhat to send with the form, and what to ask your GP or specialist for.If your GP will not write a letterOther evidence you can send instead.

Guides by condition

Each guide covers the activities a condition often affects and the evidence to send. Most include example answers.

The assessment

Assessment questionsThe questions assessors ask, and the reliability tests behind them.Telephone assessmentsWhat happens on the call, and how to ask for it to be recorded.Phone assessment tipsHow to describe your usual days and your worst days clearly.

After a decision

Deadline checkerWork out the last day to ask for a mandatory reconsideration or to appeal.Mandatory reconsiderationHow to ask DWP to look at the decision again, and what to include.Mandatory reconsideration letterA sample letter, and what to put in your own.Errors in the assessment reportHow to get your PA4 report and check it against what you said.Back pay datesWhich date any arrears run from after a reconsideration or an appeal.Appealing to a tribunalForm SSCS1, the time limits, and how a hearing works.Evidence for an appealWhat to send the tribunal.

Reviews and changes

Reviews and renewalsThe AR1 review form and keeping your evidence up to date.The four-point ruleThe proposed change was dropped in July 2025 and never became law.

Other help you may be able to claim

Which disability benefit?PIP, Adult Disability Payment, DLA or Attendance Allowance, depending on your age and where you live.Attendance Allowance explainedFor people over State Pension age, and how it differs from PIP.Attendance Allowance: rates and claimingThe two rates and how to apply.DLA for childrenRates, evidence and how to claim for a child under 16.Child DLA waiting timesHow long decisions are taking, month by month.Carer's AllowanceFor someone caring for at least 35 hours a week.Blue BadgeWho can get a badge, including for hidden disabilities.MotabilityUsing the enhanced rate of the mobility part to lease a car, scooter or wheelchair.LCWRA on Universal CreditThe work capability assessment for Universal Credit, and what LCWRA means.Questions answeredShort answers to common PIP, appeal and benefit questions.

PIP in numbers

PIP statistics by conditionOfficial DWP figures for each condition.The believability gapAward rates by condition, from DWP's own figures.

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.