Understanding PIP Assessments
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments are conducted to determine your eligibility for financial support if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. The assessment evaluates how your condition affects your daily life and mobility.
Key Assessment Components
- Daily Living Activities: 10 activities covering personal care, cooking, communication, and managing money
- Mobility Activities: 2 activities covering planning journeys and moving around
- Points System: Each activity scored 0, 2, 4, 8, or 12 points based on difficulty level
- Award Levels: Standard rate (8-11 points) or enhanced rate (12+ points) for each component
Types of PIP Assessments
There are three main types of PIP assessments, and understanding which one you'll have helps you prepare appropriately:
Face-to-Face Assessment
Conducted at an assessment center or your home by a healthcare professional. This is the most common type of assessment.
- Duration: 60-90 minutes
- Location: Assessment center or your home
- Assessor: Qualified healthcare professional
- Activities: Discussion, observation, basic physical tests if appropriate
Paper-Based Assessment
Decision made based solely on your PIP2 form and supporting evidence. No face-to-face meeting required.
- Based entirely on written evidence
- Usually for very clear-cut cases
- Less common than face-to-face assessments
- Decision made by assessment provider
Telephone Assessment
Conducted over the phone by a healthcare professional. More common since the pandemic.
- Duration: 45-75 minutes
- From the comfort of your home
- Recorded for quality purposes
- Focus on discussion and verbal responses
Preparing for Your Assessment
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful PIP assessment. The more thoroughly you prepare, the better you can present your case.
Gather Your Evidence
Collect all relevant medical reports, prescription lists, appointment records, and any supporting letters from healthcare professionals.
Review Your PIP2 Form
Re-read your original application to remind yourself of what you wrote and ensure consistency in your assessment.
Document Your Bad Days
Keep a diary of your worst days and symptoms. PIP assessments should reflect your difficulties, not your best days.
Practice Explaining Your Condition
Be ready to clearly explain how your condition affects you daily, using specific examples and avoiding minimizing your difficulties.
The 12 PIP Activities Explained
Understanding each activity and how it's scored helps you prepare better responses. Here's what assessors look for:
Daily Living Activities
1. Preparing Food
Can you prepare a simple meal for one using fresh ingredients?
2. Taking Nutrition
Can you eat and drink without assistance?
3. Managing Therapy
Can you manage your medication and therapy treatments?
4. Washing and Bathing
Can you wash your body and hair?
5. Managing Toilet Needs
Can you use the toilet and manage continence?
6. Dressing and Undressing
Can you put on and take off clothes?
7. Communicating Verbally
Can you speak, hear, and understand?
8. Reading and Understanding
Can you read and understand written information?
9. Engaging with Others
Can you interact socially with other people?
10. Making Budgeting Decisions
Can you make financial decisions and manage money?
Mobility Activities
11. Planning and Following Journeys
Can you plan and follow a route to a familiar or unfamiliar place?
12. Moving Around
How far can you walk without severe discomfort or needing to stop?
During the Assessment
The assessment itself can be stressful, but knowing what to expect helps you feel more confident and present your case effectively.
Before the Assessment Starts
- Arrive early or ensure you're ready for a phone call
- Bring a support person if you want (they can observe but not speak for you)
- Have your evidence and notes easily accessible
- Take any aids you normally use (walking stick, medication, etc.)
During the Discussion
- Focus on your worst days, not your best
- Give specific examples of difficulties
- Mention pain, fatigue, or mental health impacts
- Don't downplay your problems or try to be brave
- Take breaks if you need them
- Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question
Physical Observations
- The assessor will observe how you move and interact
- Don't overexert yourself to prove anything
- If you're having a good day, explain that it's unusual
- Mention if you're taking extra medication for the assessment
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people unknowingly harm their chances during assessments. Avoid these common pitfalls:
❌ Being Too Stoic
Don't try to appear strong or downplay your difficulties. The assessment is about your struggles, not your strengths.
❌ Focusing on Good Days
Don't describe what you can do on your best days. Focus on the majority of days when you struggle.
❌ Being Vague
Avoid general statements like "I have pain." Be specific: "I have burning pain in my lower back that prevents me from standing for more than 5 minutes."
❌ Not Mentioning Mental Health
Even with physical conditions, mention any anxiety, depression, or cognitive effects your condition causes.
❌ Inconsistent Information
Ensure your verbal responses match what you wrote in your PIP2 form and supporting evidence.
❌ Not Asking Questions
If you don't understand something, ask for clarification. It's better to get it right than to guess.
After the Assessment
Once your assessment is complete, there are several important steps and things to be aware of:
Immediately After
- Make notes about what was discussed while it's fresh in your memory
- Note any concerns about the assessment process
- Keep all your evidence and documents safe
Within 4-6 Weeks
- You should receive a decision letter from the DWP
- The letter will explain your award (if any) and the reasons
- You'll also receive a copy of the assessment report
If You Disagree
- You have one month to request a Mandatory Reconsideration
- If still unhappy, you can appeal to an independent tribunal
- Consider getting support from Citizens Advice or a welfare rights organization
Special Considerations
Some situations require special attention during PIP assessments:
Mental Health Conditions
- Explain how your condition affects daily activities
- Describe impact on motivation, concentration, and social interaction
- Mention any anxiety about the assessment itself
- Discuss variability in symptoms and functioning
Fluctuating Conditions
- Explain the pattern of good and bad days
- Describe your limitations on the majority of days
- Provide examples of how flare-ups affect you
- Mention unpredictability of symptoms
Invisible Disabilities
- Clearly explain how your condition affects you
- Don't assume the assessor understands your condition
- Provide specific examples of difficulties
- Mention fatigue, pain, or cognitive impacts
Your Rights During Assessment
Remember, you have rights during the PIP assessment process. You can request reasonable adjustments, bring a support person, take breaks when needed, and ask for clarification on any questions. The assessment should be conducted fairly and with respect for your dignity.
If you feel the assessment wasn't conducted properly, you can complain to the assessment provider and mention this in any appeal. Most importantly, be honest about your difficulties – the assessment is designed to identify those who need support, and that includes you.