PIP helpline: how to start a Personal Independence Payment claim

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability. Most people in England and Wales start a PIP claim with a phone call. This page gives you the free official number, the times it is open and what to have in front of you so the call goes smoothly.

Already claiming PIP? Use the PIP enquiry line instead — the new claims line is only for starting a claim.

Who can claim PIP

You can usually claim PIP if all of these apply:

• you are 16 or over and under State Pension age
• you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
• you have difficulty with everyday tasks, getting around, or both
• you expect those difficulties to last at least 12 months from when they started

PIP is not means-tested, so your income, savings and whether you work do not affect it. You can get it alongside Universal Credit and most other benefits. If you live in Scotland, you apply for Adult Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland instead. If you are over State Pension age you normally apply for Attendance Allowance (helpline 0800 731 0122, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).

What PIP pays

You can get one part or both. PIP is tax free and is usually paid every four weeks. The higher mobility rate can open the door to the Motability Scheme — see our disability and Motability guide.

Before you call: what to have ready

• your contact details and date of birth
• your National Insurance number, if you have one
• bank or building society account number and sort code
• your doctor's or health worker's name, address and phone number
• dates and addresses of any stays in hospital or a care home
• dates of any time spent abroad for more than four weeks at a time

Someone can join your call to help, or call on your behalf as long as you are with them. You can ask for a Welsh speaker when the call begins, and you can ask about a home visit if you need help completing the claim.

How the claim works

1. The call. You answer some basic questions about yourself and your condition.
2. The form. You then complete a form about how your condition affects you day to day. This can be done online or on paper.
3. The assessment. If more information is needed, a health professional will assess you — at a centre, at home, by phone or by video. It usually takes about an hour, it is recorded, and you can bring a friend or support worker.
4. The decision. A letter tells you whether you will get PIP, how much, and when your award will be reviewed. First awards run from 9 months to 10 years.

Tips for the form and assessment

• Describe your worst days as well as your good days, and say how often each happens.
• Explain whether you can do a task safely, to a reasonable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time.
• Send copies of supporting evidence, such as letters from your GP, consultant or care workers.
• Keep copies of everything you send.

Free, independent help with the form is available from Citizens Advice — see extra support.

If the decision is wrong

You can ask DWP to look at the decision again (mandatory reconsideration), and then appeal to an independent tribunal if needed. Our how to appeal guide walks through both steps.

Related guides: PIP enquiry line · Disability & Motability · DLA · How to appeal

Last checked against official sources: 24 October 2026. Numbers, amounts and opening hours can change — if in doubt, check GOV.UK.