pip entitlement

You can make a new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim by calling the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Someone else can call on your behalf, but you’ll need to be with them when they call. There are also other ways to claim if you find it difficult to use a telephone.

Claim by telephone or textphone

Before you call, you’ll need:

• your contact details, for example telephone number
• your date of birth
• your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
• your bank or building society account number and sort code
• your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
• dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital

You can then call the PIP claims line.

What happens next

1. You’ll be sent a ‘How your disability affects you’ form. Call the PIPenquiry line if you need it in an alternative format such as braille, large print or audio CD.

2. Fill in the form using the notes that come with it to help you. You can also read Citizens Advice’s help on filling in the form.

3. Return the form to DWP - the address is on the form.

4. To assess the level of help you need, an independent health professional will either invite you to a meeting or ask your health or social care worker for information.

5. If you’re invited to a meeting, you’ll be asked questions about your ability to carry out activities and how your condition affects your daily life. The meeting can be either at your home or at an assessment centre, and will take about an hour. You can read Citizens Advice’s help on preparing for an assessment.

6. You’ll get a letter that tells you whether you’ll get PIP. If you do, you’ll be told how much you’ll get and the date it will be reviewed so that you continue to get the right support.