Personal Independence Payment (PIP) — 2026/27 rates, how to claim and mandatory reconsideration
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Quick answer: PIP is a tax-free, non-means-tested extra-costs benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Daily living is £76.70 or £114.60 a week; mobility is £30.30 or £80 (2026/27). Start a claim by phone on 0800 917 2222 (that call date is your claim date), complete ‘How your disability affects you’, then usually an assessment. Scotland uses Adult Disability Payment instead.
PIP pays for extra daily-living and mobility costs caused by a long-term health condition or disability. Awards follow what you cannot do safely, repeatedly, to an acceptable standard and in a reasonable time — not the diagnosis name. You can work and still get PIP. Official: www.gov.uk/pip
Skip this if: Skip this if you live in Scotland (claim Adult Disability Payment), you are under 16 (DLA or Child Disability Payment), or you have reached State Pension age and have never claimed PIP (Attendance Allowance). This is not a DWP application and not medical advice.
Last reviewed:
Read the full benefits & tax guide →Quick answer: What is PIP? →Primary source: www.gov.uk/pip
How much is PIP in 2026/27?
Weekly rates from 6 April 2026 (DWP benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027). PIP is usually paid every four weeks. Confirm live figures on www.gov.uk/pip/how-much-youll-get before you budget.
| Component | Standard (8–11 points) | Enhanced (12+ points) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily living | £76.70 | £114.60 |
| Mobility | £30.30 | £80.00 |
How is PIP scored?
Daily living has 10 activities (preparing food, taking nutrition, managing therapy or monitoring a health condition, washing, toilet needs, dressing, communicating verbally, reading, engaging with other people, budgeting). Mobility has two: planning and following journeys, and moving around.
Each descriptor carries points. You do not need points on every activity. An activity only counts if you cannot do it safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time on the majority of days. Fatigue, pain, mental-health fluctuation and prompting all count.
A diagnosis letter is supporting evidence, not an award. Write a typical hard week with timed examples.
How do I claim PIP?
Check eligibility first. If you live in Scotland, start Adult Disability Payment instead. Special rules apply if you are nearing the end of life.
Most people start by calling the PIP new claims line 0800 917 2222. Have your National Insurance number, bank details, GP details and dates in hospital or abroad. The date of that call is usually your claim date — backdating does not run earlier. Some postcodes can apply fully online — check on GOV.UK when you start.
You then complete ‘How your disability affects you’ (online after a phone start, or by post) within one month unless you ask for more time. Attach prescriptions, care plans and clinic letters if you have them. Most people then have a health assessment (phone, video or face-to-face). Step-by-step: how to claim PIP.
What if I disagree — mandatory reconsideration and appeal?
Ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of the decision (you can ask later with good reason). Explain which descriptors you meet and add evidence. If that fails, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. Many awards change at reconsideration or tribunal — Citizens Advice can help with the form.
Keep copies. Do not miss the one-month clock. Official: www.gov.uk/mandatory-reconsideration
What else can PIP unlock?
PIP is ignored as income for Universal Credit and the benefit cap. It can add extra UC disability amounts, Council Tax Reduction, a Disabled Persons Railcard, and Carer's Allowance for someone who cares 35+ hours.
Enhanced mobility can mean Motability and vehicle tax exemption. Blue Badge automatic rules depend on mobility scores, not ‘any PIP’. Guides: Blue Badge, Motability, Access to Work. Sight-loss claims: PIP for sight loss.
Common questions
Can I get PIP if I work?
Yes. PIP is not means-tested and is not reduced by earnings. Tell DWP if you go into a care home or hospital for a long stay — payment rules change.
Does PIP tell DVLA I can drive?
No. Fitness to drive is a separate DVLA (or DVA) duty. DVLA medical conditions.
What happens at 16 if my child is on DLA?
DWP usually invites a PIP claim. Start by the date on the letter or DLA stops. Scotland moves to Adult Disability Payment. Do not let the invitation expire without starting a claim. Age-16 process: PIP at 16. Child stack: benefits for autistic children.