Guides › Public Services › How to Claim PIP: The Phone Call, the Form and the Deadline
How to Claim PIP: The Phone Call, the Form and the Deadline
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with extra costs if you have a long-term condition or disability and are 16 or over, usually under State Pension age. Start a claim by phone, by post or, in some areas, online. You will be sent a form called How your disability affects you, which you must return within 1 month. Ask the PIP enquiry line if you need more time. You can get PIP if you work or have savings.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Starting A Claim
Who Can Get It
You must be 16 or over and usually under State Pension age, with difficulties expected to last at least 12 months from when they started. You usually need to have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years. You can get PIP if you are working or have savings. source
Starting the Claim
Call the PIP new claims line, or write to Freepost DWP PIP 1 to ask for the forms. Online claims are available in some areas. In Scotland you apply for Adult Disability Payment instead. source
The Form
You will be sent the How your disability affects you form, by email link or post, usually within 2 weeks. Return it within 1 month. If you need more time, contact the PIP enquiry line. Include documents such as prescription lists, care plans or letters from your doctor. source
Backdating
If you claim by phone, PIP is usually backdated to the date you called. It can take up to 6 months from first contact to your first payment. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 1 monthReturn the How your disability affects you formAsk for more time before it runs out
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Call the PIP new claims line to start the claim.
Step 2 of 5
Keep a diary of good and bad days before you fill in the form.
Step 3 of 5
Fill in the form with examples, including bad days.
Step 4 of 5
Send copies of medical evidence, not originals.
Step 5 of 5
Return the form within 1 month, or ask for more time.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
PIP (GOV.UK)
New claims, the form and how to get more time.
Citizens Advice
Free, independent help with benefits, including challenges and appeals.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Explain how your condition affects you on most days, not just your diagnosis.
Rules here are for England and Wales. Scotland has its own disability and carer benefits from Social Security Scotland, and Northern Ireland benefits are run through nidirect.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/pip/eligibility Checked 15 October 2026
- gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim Checked 15 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/how-to-claim Checked 15 October 2026