{"id":20247,"date":"2023-01-31T13:36:14","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T13:36:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/?p=20247"},"modified":"2024-05-31T14:15:08","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T13:15:08","slug":"how-to-apply-for-pip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/blog\/how-to-apply-for-pip\/","title":{"rendered":"How to apply for PIP: top tips for making an application"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Zoe Bates runs the employment and benefits support service at Sense TouchBase Pears in Birmingham<\/a>. In this blog, she explains how to apply for PIP (Personal Independence Payment), and everything you should know before you start the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In my role as an employment and benefits adviser for disabled people, I often get asked how to claim PIP successfully.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Join over 87,000 others, and be part of the movement driving change for disabled people. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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I\u2019ve supported lots of people with this all around the UK, so I know the process inside out. As a visually impaired person, I\u2019ve also been through it myself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On this page are the top tips I always give to people who are thinking about making a PIP claim, and don\u2019t know what to expect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applying for PIP is a long process. Remember to take care of yourself, and get support from family and friends throughout your application. I found some of the questions very personal. Answering these questions about your condition or disability can be demoralising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d like more support, you can always get in touch with our information and advice service<\/a>, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get a PIP form<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve been officially diagnosed with a long-term health condition or a disability, you can apply for PIP. It starts with a phone call. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call to start your PIP claim<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To get a PIP form, you first need to call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It should be you that makes the call. If you\u2019re non-verbal, or there\u2019s another reason why you can\u2019t make the call, you can ask someone to do it for you. You might ask a carer, support worker or family member. They\u2019ll need to tell the person on the phone that they are calling on your behalf. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need to give some basic information like your name, address and contact details. They might ask for your date of birth and your National Insurance number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes you\u2019ll be asked what your disability or health condition is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After you\u2019ve called to start your PIP claim, your form will be sent to you. You can choose whether you get a paper form in the post (it usually takes about two weeks), or a link to an online form. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call the PIP new claims phone line.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out more about working and claiming disability benefits. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for more time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you receive your form, it\u2019ll say what date you need to return it by. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need extra support to help you fill out the form, don\u2019t be afraid to ask for this deadline to be extended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you have a visual impairment, you might need someone to help you write down your answers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this applies to you, call the PIP enquiry line<\/a> to ask for more time, and explain why. They tend to give extensions of two to four weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If they give you a new deadline, and you have a paper form, you should write that date on the front of your form. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also write to the DWP to confirm in writing that you were given an extension. Citizens Advice has a template letter you can use.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to fill in your PIP form<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The PIP claim form takes a long time to fill out. It\u2019s titled \u201cHow your disability affects you\u201d, and it is split into two sections: daily living and mobility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You get points for each section, and the number of points decide whether you qualify for the \u201cdaily living component\u201d and\/or the \u201cmobility component\u201d of PIP. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are about 50 questions to answer in total. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to answer the questions on your PIP claim form<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n