Guides › Public Services › PIP Points Explained: Activities, Descriptors and the 8 and 12 Point Rules
PIP Points Explained: Activities, Descriptors and the 8 and 12 Point Rules
PIP is scored by points for 12 activities: 10 for daily living and 2 for mobility. You need at least 8 points in a component for the standard rate and at least 12 for the enhanced rate. A descriptor only applies if it applies on more than half of days, and you can only count as able to do something if you can do it safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
How the Points Work
The Thresholds
A score of at least 8 points in a component gives the standard rate. At least 12 points gives the enhanced rate. Daily living and mobility are scored separately. source
Daily Living Activities
Preparing food; taking nutrition; managing therapy or monitoring a health condition; washing and bathing; managing toilet needs or incontinence; dressing and undressing; communicating verbally; reading and understanding signs, symbols and words; engaging with other people face to face; making budgeting decisions. source
Mobility Activities
Planning and following journeys, and moving around. source
Safely, Repeatedly, in Time
You only count as able to do an activity if you can do it safely, to an acceptable standard, as often as reasonably needed, and in a reasonable time, which means no more than twice as long as someone without your condition would take. source
Most Days
A descriptor applies if it applies on over 50% of days. If two descriptors each apply on over 50% of days, the higher scoring one is used. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 1 monthChallenge a points decisionAsk for mandatory reconsideration
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Read each activity and think about a typical week.
Step 2 of 5
Note how long tasks take and whether you need help or aids.
Step 3 of 5
Explain risks, such as falls or forgetting to eat.
Step 4 of 5
Give examples on your form and at the assessment.
Step 5 of 5
If your points look wrong, ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month.
(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.
Mandatory Reconsideration (GOV.UK)
The first step to change a decision. Usually within one month.
Citizens Advice
Free, independent help with benefits, including challenges and appeals.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Ask for a copy of your assessment report to see how each activity was scored.
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
- assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6641d2be4f29e1d07fadc5bf/admp2.pdf Checked 15 October 2026
- gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim Checked 8 October 2026
- gov.uk/mandatory-reconsideration Checked 13 October 2026