How to increase your chances of a successful PIP claim

Personal independence payment (PIP) is a benefit that helps people with long-term health conditions or disabilities with the extra costs of daily life. But applying for it can be confusing and daunting.

To help make things easier, we spoke to two expert organisations that help people with PIP every day - Fightback4Justice and Turn2Us.

Michelle Cardno, lawyer and founder of Fightback4Justice and Anna Stevenson, benefits expert at Turn2Us, shared their best tips on how to give yourself the strongest chance of success, from filling in the form to appealing a decision.

Fightback4Justice’s tips to strengthen your PIP claim

1. Gather your medical records

Collect any medical evidence that shows how your condition affects you. This includes GP records, hospital notes and care plans.

2. Get your OT report if you’ve had an assessment

If you've had an occupational therapy (OT) assessment, get a copy of the report. This will detail any difficulties you face completing daily activities and suggest potential solutions.

3. Include blue badges and carers’ statements

A blue badge is a parking permit for people with disabilities or health conditions that affect their mobility.

“If you have a blue badge send that in. Let's prove that you've been assessed for a blue badge,” says Michelle Cardno.  

“If you've got a carer who helps you day-to-day… get them to write a letter to say what they do for you every day,” she adds.

4. Send some kind of evidence

Cardno says you don’t necessarily need to include a doctor’s letter for a successful PIP claim, but adds, “We would always recommend you try and send something.”

5. Keep to the point - don’t waffle

Only include information that shows how your condition affects your ability to carry out daily activities. “People tend to put all sorts of stuff in there that really might not be relevant,” Cardno says.

6. Be ready for a face-to-face assessment

These are sometimes required, so be prepared to attend and talk through your daily struggles. Think about the points you want to get across before you go. It may be a good idea to make a list so you don’t forget anything.

7. Use organisations like Fightback4Justice for support

Fightback4Justice offers comprehensive help throughout the PIP claim process.

They provide fact sheets, a free advice line and drop-in sessions. Use their experience to help you put together the best application possible.

8. Get expert advice to find out if you’re likely to qualify

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, it’s helpful to have a quick chat with an expert who can assess your situation.

9. Don’t give up if you’re rejected - send in new or missing evidence

If your claim is rejected, you can apply again if you get new evidence or find proof that was missing from your original application.

“We try and get information that you've not already sent to them,” says Cardno. This could be something like proof of medication.

10. Take photos of any aids or adaptations you use

If you rely on aids to manage daily tasks, sending clear photographs of them may support your claim.

“[Send] photographs of any aids that you've got in the home,” Cardno advises.

11. If your condition gets worse while you’re waiting for an appeal, update your claim

If your health changes significantly while waiting for an appeal, you may need to act.

“In those cases, if anything changes that's quite dramatic and affects your functionality, then we suggest that you ring up and you do a change of circumstances,” says Cardno.

12. Appeals can succeed if you send the right evidence

Many people win their appeals simply by providing better evidence the second time around. Fightback4Justice handles around 700 appeals a year, with a success rate of 89%.

13. Don’t let stigma stop you from applying

People may hold back from claiming benefits due to a sense of pride or a desire to be self-sufficient. Cardno explains:

“A lot of people are entitled to benefits… particularly when they get a bit older [but] we find that people come to us and say, ‘Well, I've never claimed, I've always paid into the system.’”

Fightback4Justice encourages people who struggle to complete daily tasks to view PIP as support they’re entitled to.

14. Use a benefits checker to see what you might be entitled to

Many people don’t realise what they could be getting. A simple benefit check can show what support is available.

15. Remember, PIP is there to help you keep going

PIP isn’t about giving up, it’s about getting through.

“It was designed to help you… during the period when you need it… It’s an in-work benefit to help you keep going, keep working.”

Many people rely on it to cover things they can’t manage after a long day, like help with cleaning, transport or recovery time, so they can stay independent and in work.

16. If you have mental health issues, speak to a specialist

Support from a mental health professional can make a real difference to your PIP claim.

“We’re finding in a lot of cases, people with mental health difficulties don’t approach people for help… they won’t go to specialists, they won’t go to the doctors…”

If you’re struggling, try to speak to your GP or a mental health service. Their input can provide vital evidence and strengthen your case.

Turn2Us’ tips to strengthen your PIP claim

17. Keep a diary for at least three weeks

A daily diary helps paint a clear picture of how your condition affects you, and it’s powerful evidence.

“Start by keeping a detailed diary for at least three weeks,” says Anna Stevenson, “recording how your condition affects your daily life. This evidence is invaluable. Be specific and honest, focusing on your worst days, not just your best.”

18. Be prepared for a lengthy and detailed form

Applying for PIP isn’t quick or easy; you need to put the time in.

“The PIP application form itself is lengthy, 40 pages long, and asks for detailed information about how your condition affects your daily life and mobility,” Stevenson explains.

19. Focus on how your condition affects your life, not just the diagnosis

When filling in your form or attending an assessment, explain how your symptoms impact your routine, such as washing, dressing, preparing food and going out.

“It’s not about the diagnosis – it’s about how your condition affects daily living and mobility.”

20. Bring your condition to life for assessors

One of the biggest challenges is explaining how your condition affects you in a way that assessors can truly grasp. You need to get across all the challenges you face on a day-to-day basis. Just because a difficulty seems obvious to you, don’t assume your assessors will understand without a full explanation.

“The most significant challenge reported by users is articulating the impact of their condition in a way that is understood by assessors, particularly for conditions that are invisible or fluctuate over time,” says Stevenson.

Be detailed and honest to help them understand your real experience.

21. Use tools like the Turn2us PIP Helper to guide you

There are online tools out there designed to make the PIP process easier to navigate.

 Stevenson says, “Our PIP Helper tool, used by over 182,000 people since its launch last year, is designed to guide you step-by-step, helping you articulate the impact of your condition in your own words.”

22. Be ready for a difficult and emotional process

Applying for PIP can be stressful, as you’ll need to reflect on and explain personal challenges in detail.

One young woman told Turn2Us: “I already juggle pain, meds whilst working and raising my kids. Proving it all on paper felt like another job.”

“It’s important to prepare yourself mentally and seek support if needed,” Stevenson recommends.

23. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again

Nearly 75% of people who appeal their PIP decision eventually win.

One Turn2Us user shared: “I almost didn’t bother appealing, but the support from Turn2us gave me the confidence to keep going.”

If rejected, try to gather more evidence for your appeal.

24. Get an expert to review a rejected claim

“If you’re planning to ask for mandatory reconsideration or want to appeal a decision, it is always best to get advice from someone who can look over what the DWP has decided and what you’ve submitted to them already,” says Stevenson.

Support from organisations like Turn2us can help you address any weak areas in your original claim.

Need help with a PIP claim?

Visit Turn2Us or Fightback4Justice for support and advice.