That’s a very important claim to start. The process for claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is structured in distinct stages. It is crucial to follow these steps carefully, as the start date of your claim (when you first contact them) is the date your payment will begin from, if successful.

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to make a PIP claim in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (for Scotland, you apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead):

1. Starting the Claim (The PIP1 Stage)

The very first step is to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to start your claim. This is known as the PIP1 stage and secures the effective start date for your payment.

1. The Best Way to Apply

1. Information to Have Ready

The phone call will take about 20 minutes. You will need:

• Your full name, address, and contact details.
• Your National Insurance (NI) number.
• Your bank or building society account details.
• Your GP/doctor’s name and contact details.
• Dates and details of any time spent in hospital, residential care, or abroad.

2. Completing the Main Form (The PIP2 Stage)

If you meet the basic eligibility criteria during the call, the DWP will send you the main claim form, called “How your disability affects you” (PIP2).

1. The Form and Deadline

• You will usually receive the form within two weeks.
• You have one month from the date the form was issued to complete it and send it back, along with any supporting evidence.
• Crucial Tip: If you need more time to gather evidence or get help with the form, call the PIP enquiry line immediately to request an extension.

1. How to Fill the Form Effectively

This is the most critical stage. The DWP assesses your claim based on how reliably (safely, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time) you can perform 12 activities:

• Be Specific: For every activity (e.g., preparing food, washing, walking), do not just say “I can’t do it.” Describe:
  • What happens when you try to do the task.
  • The pain, fatigue, or anxiety it causes.
  • The help you need (from a person or aid/equipment), even if you don’t currently use it.
• Focus on Bad Days: If your condition fluctuates, describe your worst days and how often they occur. The standard is whether you have difficulty more than 50% of the time.
• Use Extra Pages: Do not limit your answers to the boxes on the form. Use extra sheets of paper, clearly labelled with your name, NI number, and the question number it relates to.

1. Gathering Supporting Evidence

Include any relevant documents you have:

• Letters from your GP, consultant, or specialist nurse.
• Prescription lists.
• Care plans or social worker reports.
• Diaries you keep detailing your daily difficulties.

3. The Assessment (The Medical/Health Review)

Most applicants are invited to an assessment with a healthcare professional (which may be face-to-face, by phone, or by video call).

• Purpose: To discuss how your condition affects you day-to-day.
• Preparation: Re-read your completed PIP2 form before the assessment so your answers are consistent. You are strongly encouraged to take a friend, family member, or professional advisor with you for support.

4. The Decision

After the assessment, the assessor writes a report for the DWP Case Manager, who makes the final decision.

• You will receive a letter detailing whether you have been awarded PIP and at what rate (Standard or Enhanced for Daily Living and/or Mobility).
• If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to request a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR).

Would you like me to find the contact details for a free, local advice service (like Citizens Advice) that can help you with the crucial form-filling stage?